Walk at Eye Bridge, Kingston Lacy
Indulge in a gentle walk starting from Eye Bridge where you can see the weir and view the River Stour from the bridge.
Walk upstream along this beautiful stretch of river with much interesting bird life before looping round on the paths across the meadows to return. There are waymarks for Walk 11 on the route.
Map
Start:
Eye Bridge car park off the Wimborne/ Cowgrove road, grid ref: ST996001
1
Leave the car park at Eye Bridge, following the river to the right and taking the footpath past the bridge (don’t cross the bridge) keeping to the northern bank of the Stour.
Eye Bridge
Eye Bridge has a weir and is a crossing point of the River Stour. There used to be an island or ‘Eye’ in the Stour hence the name. The area is very popular in the summer for families and young people.
2
The riverside walk along the Stour continues over a small bridge, still following the river bank, until it turns to the right by a plantation of trees.
The River Stour
Along this stretch of the river the Roman road from Hamworthy (Poole Harbour) to Badbury Rings crossed the river. Although no longer visible at this point, traces can be seen to the south. The river offers opportunities to observe birds such as swans, kingfisher, egret and heron. A sighting of the illusive otter is also a possibility in this area.
3
Turn right and depending on ground conditions, the walk either meanders on along the ancient way known as Weir Lane or an alternative is to take to the dryer ground at a higher level by the fence on the edge of the pasture.
Weir Lane
Weir Lane is an ancient path and the pastures observed by the side of the path have been worked for centuries by the inhabitants of Cowgrove, the fertile ground producing abundant grass. Along this ancient track you will pass an impressive veteran tree; known locally as the Waterman’s Oak.
4
A farm track is encountered on the right, with a prominent field marker stone on the opposite side. Go through the stile down the track for a short distance and turn right.
5
Having turned right follow the path behind the village of Cowgrove and the medieval Court House back towards the river Stour.
6
Turn left and follow the River Stour back to Eye Bridge and the car park.
End:
Eye Bridge car park off the Wimborne/ Cowgrove road, grid ref: ST996001
