The best hikes from bus stations in North Dorset

What an absolute cracking pit stop. Extremely good prices on all the food. Only stopped for few coffees and toasted teacakes. Friendly staff and very clean.

Fiddleford Mill is an 18th-century structure near the River Stour, mentioned in the Domesday Book. Although the mill building is disused and not open to the public, it is adjacent to the much older Fiddleford Manor, a magnificent 14th-century English Heritage property known for its spectacular timber roofs.

It is the Church of England Parish Church and is a notable building, designated as a Grade I Listed structure. History: The present church dates from a rebuild in 1486 by the Abbots of Glastonbury and retains a significant carved wagon roof. A popular walking route goes along Penny Lane and Church Lane to reach the churchyard, which is why it's closely associated with Penny Street.

Sturminster Newton 'Castle' is the ruinous remains of a 14th-century medieval manor house constructed within the earthworks of an Iron Age hillfort. Originally belonging to Glastonbury Abbey, it was later granted to Katherine Parr by Henry VIII. The remains, which are on private land, are a Grade II* listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

I expect it makes a great crossing and cuts off a HUGE diversion along a main road. Typical council neglecting their duites to repair this bridge.

The North Dorset Trailway Connection Today, Spetisbury Station is a popular access point for the North Dorset Trailway. Trailhead: The section of the Trailway running from Spetisbury north to Sturminster Newton, largely following the old railway bed, is a well-maintained, traffic-free path for walking, cycling, and riding. Visitor Stop: The former station site makes a perfect place to stop, rest, and picnic while exploring the Trailway, offering fine views over the Stour Valley. It's a wonderful example of local history being preserved and repurposed for community and recreation!

The Spetisbury Station Project Unlike the bridge at Blandford, which remains a preserved structure, the Spetisbury station site is being actively restored by volunteers. The Project: The Spetisbury Station Project Group was formed in 2012 by dedicated volunteers to clear and preserve the abandoned site. What You Can See: While the original station buildings were demolished shortly after the 1956 closure, the project has cleared the site to reveal the foundations of the station buildings, the booking office, and the signal box. Ambience: The site is now a peaceful, landscaped green space featuring picnic areas, benches, and information boards. Volunteers have added replica signage and restored the platforms to recreate the atmosphere of the former country station. Wildlife Haven: The site is also managed to be a haven for local wildlife, with features like a wildlife pond, bat boxes, and specific flower borders.

The Railway and Closure Original Line: Spetisbury Station was located on the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway (S&DJR), which connected Bath to Bournemouth. Opening: It originally opened on November 1, 1860, as part of the Dorset Central Railway's line from Wimborne to Blandford. It initially had a single platform. Double Track: Around 1901, the line was doubled through the station, and a second platform and a signal box were added to handle the increased traffic. Downgrade: Like many rural stations seeking to cut costs, it was downgraded to an unstaffed "halt" in 1934. Passenger Closure: The station closed completely to passengers on September 17, 1956, one of the early closures on the S&D line. Line Closure: Although the station itself was closed, the main S&DJR line through the site continued to operate passenger services until the whole route closed in March 1966. Goods traffic ceased in 1969, and the track was lifted in 1970.