Castleman Trailway

One of Dorset's gentlest way-marked routes, this 16 mile trailway follows much of the old Dorchester to Southampton railway line. The trailway takes you through some of East Dorset's stunning landscape.

Whether you are using the routes for recreation or commuting to work, the Castleman Trailway offers a beautiful and practical route to take you where you want to go. As you travel along the trail you will pass some of the county's internationally important heathland. The trailway also links with country parks in the county including Avon Heath Country Park and Upton Country Park.

The Trailway is named after Charles Castleman, a Wimborne Solicitor, who was responsible for building the original railway line. The Dorchester to Southampton railway line, nicknamed the Castleman Corkscrew, was closed in 1964 as part of Dr Beeching's plan to make the railway network viable.

Start point: Ringwood, Hampshire.

Finish point: Upton Country Park, Poole.

Total distance: 16.5 miles (26.5 km).

Time needed: 3 hours as a leisurely cycle ride.

Map information: OS map Explorer OL22 and 195 Bournemouth & Purbeck.

Trail Maps

Map 1 of 8 - Castleman Trailway - Ringwood to Ashley Heath [655kb] [PDF] (opens in a new window)

Map 2 of 8 - Castleman Trailway - Ashley Heath to West Moors [664kb] [PDF] (opens in a new window)

Map 3 of 8 - Castleman Trailway - West Moors to Ameysford [626kb] [PDF] (opens in a new window)

Map 4 of 8 - Castleman Trailway - Ameysford to Stapehill [706kb] [PDF] (opens in a new window)

Map 5 of 8 - Castleman Trailway - Stapehill to River Stour [663kb] [PDF] (opens in a new window)

Map 6 of 8 - Castleman Trailway - River Stour to Broadstone [721kb] [PDF] (opens in a new window)

Map 7 of 8 - Castleman Trailway - Broadstone [849kb] [PDF] (opens in a new window)

Map 8 of 8 - Castleman Trailway - Broadstone to Upton Country Park [779kb] [PDF] (opens in a new window)

Other Information:

Walkers are able to follow the entire route but cyclists and horse riders are restricted on some sections:

Currently cyclists have to find their own route through Wimborne (i.e. between Canford bottom roundabout and the Willet Arms)
Horse riders are restricted to: Ringwood to West Moors section and Ameysford to Stapehill Section

The terrain is relatively level throughout apart from when coming off and on the old railway line.

The trailway was opened in 1994 and is managed in partnership by Dorset Countryside, the Forestry Commission, Hampshire County Council and Borough of Poole.

Districts covered: Hampshire, Dorset (East Dorset & Poole).

Linking trails and walks:

Avon Valley Path - a 34-mile, long-distance walking route that takes you from Salisbury – one of the most beautiful cathedral cities in England – to Christchurch Priory and the sea.
Ferndown, Stour & Forest Trail
Stour Valley Way