Sturminster Newton Mill – Cutt Mill Ruins loop from Sturminster Newton

Hiking trails & Routes

Sturminster Newton Mill – Cutt Mill Ruins loop from Sturminster Newton

Moderate

4.7

(10)

hikers

Sturminster Newton Mill – Cutt Mill Ruins loop from Sturminster Newton

02:38

10.1km

70m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 8, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

177 m

Here are the key details about this historic structure in Sturminster Newton, Dorset:

Historical Significance and Features
Age: It is a remarkably old bridge, dating from the late 15th or early 16th century (circa 1500). It replaced a historic fording point on the River Stour.

Structure: It is a multi-span stone arch bridge with six two-centred arches spanning the River Stour.

Listing Status: It is a Grade I Listed Building (List Entry Number: 1110531) by Historic England, which means it is of exceptional interest.

Widening: The bridge was widened from 12ft to 18ft in the 17th century. Later, in 1820, one of the central cutwaters (the pointed projections on the piers) was repaired.

Pedestrian Refuges: The bridge features larger, central cutwaters that are corbelled out to form pedestrian refuges (small alcoves) to either side of the roadway.

Tip by

906 m

Sturminster Newton Mill

Highlight • Structure

Still milling flour today, this beautiful mill is well worth taking five minutes to listen to the water. You might even be lucky enough to spot the local otter!

Tip by

5.53 km

Cutt Mill Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

Dorset is brimming with history and if you walk anywhere in this chalk county, you'll be tripping over something ancient. Cutt Mill is one such remnant from times past and it was originally a corn mill. There has been a mill on the site for at least 1,000 years, although likely more and possibly double that, given the Roman villa site just up the hill.

Despite its dereliction, its position is tranquil and a fantastic place for watching the Stour and its resident birds from herons and moorhens to kingfishers and ducks.

Tip by

8.64 km

Railway Bridge Ruins

Highlight • Bridge

The railway bridge ruins are the abutments (supports) of the former Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway bridge over the River Stour. The line, which linked Bath and Bournemouth, closed in 1966 as part of the Beeching Cuts. The main span was demolished, leaving the brick and stone piers visible from the nearby Colber Footbridge. The old railway route is now part of the North Dorset Trailway.

Tip by

8.80 km

Colber Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Colber Bridge is an elegant Grade II Listed footbridge crossing the River Stour upstream of Sturminster Newton Mill. Built of cast iron and coursed rubble in 1841 by J. Conway, it stands near the ruins of the old railway bridge.

It is particularly known as a popular and picturesque spot for wild swimming and is a featured landmark on many local walking trails, offering beautiful views of the Dorset countryside.

Tip by

10.1 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types