The former railway bridge in Stour Meadows (part of the wider flood meadows near the River Stour) is significant for several reasons:

The Line: It carried the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway line, which ran a crucial cross-country route connecting Bath to Bournemouth.

The Town's Station: The bridge was essential for the railway to reach the final location of Blandford Forum Station, which opened north of the River Stour in 1863. This required the extension of the line from its original temporary terminus south of the river at Blandford St Mary.

MCW73

November 6, 2025

Hiking

The structure you see today stands in isolation in the flood meadows and acts as a major landmark for the area.

North Dorset Trailway: The former railway line's route, including the embankment leading up to the remaining arches, has been repurposed as the North Dorset Trailway. This popular multi-use path is enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, and stretches for miles along the former trackbed.

Stour Meadows Park: The park itself is a beautiful area for recreation and nature walks, situated next to the River Stour, and the preserved arches are a key historic feature on the route.

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Best routes to Remains of the Old Railway Bridge

5.0

(3)

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1. Stourpaine – North Dorset Trailway loop from Stourpaine

11.2km

02:54

70m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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2. Hall & Woodhouse Brewery – Spetisbury Station loop from Blandford Forum

13.3km

03:31

120m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.0

(7)

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3. Stour Meadows Park – Hall & Woodhouse Brewery loop from Spetisbury

13.8km

03:37

100m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 80 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 8 March

11°C

7°C

23 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Blandford Forum, North Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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North Dorset Trailway

View from North Dorset Trailway

Remains of the Old Railway Bridge

1. Stourpaine – North Dorset Trailway loop from Stourpaine

2. Hall & Woodhouse Brewery – Spetisbury Station loop from Blandford Forum

3. Stour Meadows Park – Hall & Woodhouse Brewery loop from Spetisbury

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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