WALX Activity: Canford Magna Village and the river Stour

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Pace: Medium

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Intensity: Low

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Gradient: Low

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Explorer WALX

Price: £7.00

  • Date: Tue 13th October
  • Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Distance: 3 Miles
  • Smilage Points: 7
  • Location Name: Canford Magna new car park
  • Address: Oakley Lane, Merley, BH21 3FD, United Kingdom
  • W3W: news.rules.attitudes
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Main Instructor:

Click to View: WALX Dorset Instructor Page

Hosted By:

Chris Pole

Walk Description:

Leaving from the new carpark at Canford Magna village (to one side of the bew houses being built) this sociably paced walk is around 3 to 3.5 miles long.

Walking away from the village past the private Canford school we also see the church which is of Saxon, Norman and Mid Gothic architecture built in dark local stone.

Heading towards Wimborne via the river Stour we have lovely views of the water. There are some steep steps up to a shady glade before arriving at The Lady Wimborne Bridge.

This took trains over the main driveway to Canford House. Built in 1847 in was in use until the Beeching cuts in the 1960's.The last train was in 1964 but freight still used the line until 1977.

There are some of the most ornate carvings of any railway bridge in the country but it is sadly deteriorating.

There are several history boards about local Wimborne ladies and their influence on the area. Around the village of Canford Magna and out to Corfe Mullen can be seen many Lady Wimborne cottages which were for rent at 1 shilling per week!

The village itself was developed by the Guest family of Canford Manor.

Some of the new builds have windows in the same style.

Arriving at Wimborne we pass beside a 19th century turnstile next to the Victorian gate house.

Over the pedestrian bridge with a bit of road walking and back to the other side of the river for more lovely views.

The route passes under the bypass so is briefly noisy, then over the pedestrian suspension brige built in 1895. It is very substancial but sways slightly as we cross over.

Part of this walk is on the Stour Valley Way.

There are no toilets, nearest at Canford Magna Garden Centre towards the back of the store.

Paws suggested for the road section.

Location Notes:

If coming from the Wimborne direction turn left at the traffic lights next to the Willetarms pub, follow the road until you see a turning on your left just before you turn to go to the Canford school. Car park holds about 15 car park spaces.

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