Starting at Evershot, the second highest village in Dorset the route meanders close to the River Frome towards Poole Harbour. The route passes through Chilfrome, Maiden Newton, Bradford Peverell, Charminster and Dorchester. Along the way a wealth of wildlife found in and beside the river can be seen. This includes the iridescent flash of a Kingfisher, the bright yellow Marsh Marigold, Water Crowfoot and Brown Trout. At present the trail finishes at Dorchester but there are plans to extend the route to Poole Harbour.

You can currently enjoy the trail on foot. There is also a cycle trail, a leaflet if this route can be downloaded by clicking on the downloads button below. There is also a short circular route called Ratty's Trail (PDF, 204kb) (opens in a new window)  near Dorchester, named after the character from Wind in the Willows. If you keep your eyes peeled you may see 'Ratty' the Water Vole feeding in the river.

Finding your way

On the ground the trail is signed using an arrowhead disc. This has been designed to reflect the rich archaeological findings dating from the Bronze Age within the river valley. Where the trail meets other rights of way or a road, specially designed signs continue to point you in the right direction. At times the route may change from that shown on a map. Please follow the specially designed waymark discs and signs.

Landscape/terrain

Chalk Downland, riverbank, water meadows, woodland fringe. The majority of the walking route follows the River Frome. But there are some sections where diversions are in place when the river is in flood. The majority of the route is on hard surfaced track ways the remainder within sunken lanes or on pastoral and arable fields. The cycling route follows county roads and farm tracks but you do have to cross the A37 at Giles Cross.

Should you wish to comment or give further information, please provide feedback:

Feedback

I would just like to say how much i enjoyed walking along the Frome Valley Trail. We joined the trail at Maiden Newton and it was so pretty by the river. Unfortunately we didn't see any Water Voles but we will definitely be back so hopefully we will see them next time.

April 2009

We recently did Ratty's Trail near Dorchester and really enjoyed it. We can recommend a detour to the Sun Inn. Just take the path on the right by the river when you get to the back of Loders garage and then right again and follow the cycle lane until you get to the pub.

October 2008