Explore the historically rich landscape split by two rivers and conquered by Iron Age tribes, the Romans, and Wessex Kings. From the River Stour’s shoreline at Eye Bridge, follow the water downstream to the shallow ford that was topped by Julian’s Bridge. Wander through the medieval town of Wimborne to its Saxon Minster, complete with an astronomical clock, Roman pavements, and a chained library. Re-join the Stour, crossing at Canford Bridge, to the lodge that stands at the entrance to Canford Manor. Weave between new residential estates onto old roads, trumped by the bypass, to return over the site of Lake Farm, one of the largest Roman forts of its time.
Distance: 4.5miles/7km
Time: 2 hours (longer if exploring the Minster)
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 102ft.
Min height: 62ft.
Total climb: 53ft.
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: Pamphill. (Postcode: BH21 4EL, Grid Reference: ST995001, What Three Words: flooding.hacksaw.pothole).
Terrain: Roads, tracks, paths and fields. (Be aware it can flood during wetter months).
Map: OS Explorer 118 Shaftesbury and Cranborne Chase.
How to get there: From the centre of Wimborne travel north west on Victoria Road. Turn left, signposted for Pamphill and continue on the small country lane for just under a mile. Turn left, off Cowgrove Road, to find parking for Eye Bridge.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: A number of options are passed in Wimborne on route including The Lion Hotel, The Butcher’s Dog, The Rising Sun and The Coach and Horses.
Neighbouring Walks: Pamphill, Badbury Rings, Stanbridge, Lady Wimborne, Corfe Mullen and Sturminster Marshall.
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