North Dorset Trailway - Part 1: Sturminster Newton

During the past few weeks we have spent several afternoons walking and exploring the entire length of the North Dorset Trailway, from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury, along the trackbed of the former S&DJR.

During these walks I have photographed some of what few remains there are still to be seen of this much-missed railway together with some of the scenery to be enjoyed along the route and thought that I would share some of these with you here.

 

So we begin at Sturminster Newton, where they are clearly proud of their railway heritage and have duly commemorated it with the delightful Railway Gardens, seen in the photos above.

At the top of the gardens is this short length of track that is, more or less, in the same position as the old formation of the line, albeit quite a bit higher since the cutting that it originally ran through has now been filled in.

On its way into the town, from the Stalbridge direction, the line made its first crossing of the River Stour and, during the next nine miles to Blandford, it would cross this river a further three times.

It is quite easy to access the trackbed here and, if you do, you will see the formation stretching before you towards Stalbridge.
Indeed I believe that the plan is to extend the Trailway along this part of the old line, adding a further three miles to be explored and enjoyed!

So to return to the town itself and to the former station site, which is at the start of the Trailway.
All too typically it is now occupied by a car park and the start of the Trailway can just be seen disappearing beyond the blue sign in the distance.
Yes, this was Sturminster Newton station although it is difficult to imagine it now.

However, from here to Shillingstone the pathway takes you through some truly beautiful Dorset countryside, as shown below, including the second crossing of the River Stour.