Stop Off

Stalbridge: Dorset’s smallest town situated close to the Somerset border. The 15th Century market cross is reputedly the best in England. There is a short section of Trailway running south-eastwards from Station Road by The Sidings (DT10 2SS) to Bibberne Brook. The Sidings is a small industrial unit, where you will find ‘Thyme after Time’ cafe.

In Sturminster Newton: Currently the Trailway starts on the site of the old station. There is plenty of parking at Station Road. There is also a working restored water mill that dates from the 1600’s which sits in a beautiful setting on the River Stour next to the A357.  The Town Museum is in the centre of the town, where there are plenty of shops, pubs and cafes. You can also find us on www.sturminster-newton.org.uk

Fiddleford Manor English Heritage site (DT10 2BX off A357) has free parking close to the Trailway and the Manor is an amazing mediaeval building. Click here for the website. Close to The Fiddleford Inn.

The Countryside Regeneration Trust at Bere Marsh Farm. Activities, information boards and The Buzz Cafe. Click for details.

At Shillingstone Railway Station: Here restoration work has taken place over the past 20 years. Recently they’ve  also restored some of the old line and hope to have a train running this short length in due course. There is also a restored signal box, a museum and carriage cafe. Click for details.

The Big Yellow Bus Garden Project at Shillingstone. A community garden project covering four acres of land. Click for details.

At Gains Cross – The Black Cat Café is just off the Trailway.

Spetisbury: the old station site now has a picnic area and information boards. Spetisbury Rings is an ancient British camp close to the old station and accessible by public footpath for views over the Stour Valley.

Whilst you are travelling between Stourpaine and Blandford, you may come across some mysterious sculptures next to a bench. Click here to see them.

Blandford Forum: Otters can frequently be seen from the bridge where the Trailway crosses the Stour from Stour Meadow to the M&S car park. Blandford has a Town Museum, a Fashion Museum, the historic church and other Georgian buildings, and the Hall and Woodhouse Brewery Visitor Centre (on the edge of town). The town centre has shops, pubs and cafes.

Milldown Nature Reserve: A hidden gem, on the outskirts of Blandford Forum. Ideal for picnics, exercise, wildlife or simply enjoying the splendid views.