Dorset

Walk at White Mill and Shapwick

A moderate walk through the water meadows by the River Stour, with short distances on country lanes and along gravel tracks. You'll start at an 18th-century mill and go along an unspoilt stretch of the River Stour with much bird life. You'll then pass through the picturesque village of Shapwick and return to White Mill.

Near to

Kingston Lacy

Start point

Car park opposite White Mill; grid ref: ST958007

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)

Duration2 hours 30 mins

Not suitable for dogs

*Follows grass and gravel tracks with short distances on country lanes. For further details, see section marked Terrain.
**Fairly flat walk but there are squeeze stiles along the way. For further details, see section marked Access.

Dogs not allowed

Please note, due to livestock grazing unfortunately dogs are not allowed on this walk.

Address
Mill Lane, near Shapwick, Dorset, BH21 4BX
Directions via Google Maps
By road
From Blandford: Take the B3082 towards Wimborne and before reaching Kingston Lacy turn right on the road to Sturminster Marshall. On reaching a T junction turn left and quickly left again and the car park is immediately on the left. Approximately 7 miles (11km).
From Wimborne: Take the B3082 towards Blandford go past Kingston Lacy and take the next left to Sturminster Marshall. On reaching a T junction turn left and quickly left again and the car park is immediately on the left. Approximately 5 miles (8km).
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Car park opposite White Mill; grid ref: ST958007
Stage 1
Leave the car park at White Mill and turn right at the signpost for Shapwick and Tarrant Crawford. The permissive path, part of The Stour Valley Way, is clearly marked on the opposite side of the road.
White Mill
White Mill itself is open March-November at weekends and on Bank Holiday Mondays, subject to an admission charge, National Trust members free. The Mill was rebuilt in 1776 and we have conserved the 18th-century wooden machinery. The millstones remained in use right until the end of the 19th century, grinding grain (grist) for both flour and animal feed. The arched bridge here is reputed to be the oldest in Dorset.
Stage 2
Follow the riverside walk along the Stour. It meanders over rough pasture and arable headlands for approximately 2.5 miles (4km). Squeeze stiles at fence lines indicate the route to be taken.
Stage 3
Having arrived at St Bartholomew’s Church on the edge of the village of Shapwick, follow the footpath signs to the cross at the centre of the village. The Anchor Inn at Shapwick Cross provides an ideal spot for refreshments if required.
Stage 4
To continue the walk proceed straight up the Shapwick High Street until a junction with Park Lane is encountered on the right, opposite Priory House.
Stage 5
Turn right here and you will almost immediately pass the Higher Dairy part of Crab Farm.
Stage 6
Turn right down the bridleway, known as Half Mile Drove, before New Barn Farm. This track leads to the White Mill and Shapwick.
Stage 7
Turning left at the bottom, return with care along the road to your start point.
End point
Car park opposite White Mill; grid ref: ST958007
Trail map
White Mill and Shapwick walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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