This Trailway is approximately 13 miles long and accessible to horse riding along its route from Spetisbury to Sturminster Newton although the route does travel through Blandford Forum, a built up area. The Somerset and Dorset company operated trains from Burnham to Poole and on the branch line to Wells. At this time Poole station was on the western side of Holes Bay at the location that ultimately became Hamworthy Goods. Intermediate stations between the point of the junction at Templecombe and Blandford were Templecombe (S&DR station), Henstridge, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton, Shillingstone and Blandford. It was opened in 1863. Closure came in 1966. It is hoped that the Trailway can be extended to Stalbridge and beyond in the future. There are a number of Bridleways and lanes linking into the route making it possible to explore the region further. The area of Fiddleford looks interesting with the Manor and the weir. Parking is available in several places along the trail within the link below in the equestrian section. It looks a decent ride with pretty villages along the way with possible stops for a pub break and grazing on verges for horses.

Grid ref: ST 917 018 Parking weekends at school. Grid ref: ST 787 142 Station Road Pay and Display.

http://www.northdorsettrailway.org.uk/equestrian. htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somerset_and_Dorset_Joint_Railway#Formation_ of_the_Somerset_&_Dorset_Railway

Bridge over the River Stour © Copyright David Smith and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

North Dorset Trailway - Ridgeway junction © Copyright Des Blenkinsopp and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

North Dorset Trailway - Stourpaine and Durweston Halt © Copyright John Palmer and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

North Dorset Trailway at Blandford Forum © Copyright Mike Faherty and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence