Horse Riding on the North Dorset
The North Dorset Trailway is a shared bridleway for horse riders, walkers, cyclists and mobility users. Its surfaced track is approximately 3 metres wide.
Horsebox and trailer parking
Suitable parking is limited. We’re working with Dorset Council to explore more options. Their draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan includes proposals to improve access and supporting facilities. Horse riders can comment on the plan until 12 October 2026 – please tell the council what parking and access you need.
These locations may be useful when planning a ride:
- Fiddleford Mill Car Park: Reached by a single-track road; the car park is on the left. Arrive early and check that you have room to turn.
- Spetisbury School Car Park: Enter by the schoolhouse. Trailway access is near the bridge at the far end. Please avoid school hours.
- A350 layby near the Okeford Fitzpaine–Hammoon crossroads: Access involves crossing the busy A350. Head towards Hammoon. The bridleway entrance is roughly 250 metres along the road on the RHS. Using the track on the right of the field, this comes out at the bottom on to the Trailway itself.
- Black Cat Café, Gains Cross Farm: It is the last building at the end of the track on the RHS. Space for one vehicle beside the café building. Please check that you may park there.
- Shillingstone A350 layby: Near the communications mast. Holloway Lane leads towards a track up to the Trailway, but reaching it involves walking a short (150m) distance along the busy A350. Go down the lane and at the bridge there is a track that takes you up to the Trailway.
Other village laybys may also provide access. Please check local signs, parking permission and whether there is enough space for your vehicle before unloading. Take care when parking, crossing roads and riding; you park at your own risk.
Fiddleford Mill carpark (left), Spetisbury School carpark (right)
Please make sure you wear high-visibility clothing, keep horses calm and well managed. If you are riding the Trailway route, and it’s busy then please ride in single file, especially when passing other users. Where possible please clear horse droppings.
The Trailway is not to be used for any competitive racing without permission from Dorset Council