While supplying the necessities of survival, the rivers of the county created important communication, transport and trade links. However, they also split the county apart, creating blockages where the water could not be crossed. Settlement pattern developed around the ancient fords, now replaced with stone bridges that we often take for granted today.
Follow the flow of the water as it travels through the Dorset countryside to the sea.
With more coming soon…
The smaller streams are no less important, still having a crucial impact on movement and development.
In February 2025 an accident occurred where a horse fell through a bridge in West Dorset. It took hours and many efforts from the fire brigade, locals and vets to free the animal.
In light of this, I looked into how often bridleways cross the rivers in West Dorset. Not much, this is all of them!
