Remains of the Old Railway Bridge – Spetisbury Station loop from Blandford Forum

Running trails & routes

Remains of the Old Railway Bridge – Spetisbury Station loop from Blandford Forum

Moderate

runners

Remains of the Old Railway Bridge – Spetisbury Station loop from Blandford Forum

01:11

11.2km

80m

Running

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 21, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

336 m

Remains of the Old Railway Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The former railway bridge in Stour Meadows (part of the wider flood meadows near the River Stour) is significant for several reasons:

The Line: It carried the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway line, which ran a crucial cross-country route connecting Bath to Bournemouth.

The Town's Station: The bridge was essential for the railway to reach the final location of Blandford Forum Station, which opened north of the River Stour in 1863. This required the extension of the line from its original temporary terminus south of the river at Blandford St Mary.

Closure: The entire S&DJR line, often referred to simply as the "S&D," was closed as a result of the infamous Beeching Cuts. The Blandford station closed to passengers in March 1966, with the track eventually lifted around 1969.

Demolition & Preservation: Following the line's closure, the original railway bridge that crossed the River Stour was largely demolished. However, two of its arches/spans were saved and are still visible in the meadows today. This is thanks to the efforts of local groups, like the Blandford Railway Arches Trust, who recognized their historical importance.

Tip by

418 m

Preetz Bridge and Old Railway Arches

Highlight • Structure

Opened in 1997, Preetz Bridge was the first pedestrian bridge built to cross the River Stour. To the west, you can see two arches that are the last remains of the old railway line of this town.

Tip by

5.65 km

Spetisbury Station

Highlight • Rest Area

Lovely old Somerset and Dorset railway line

Tip by

5.65 km

Blandford Disused Railway Trail

Highlight • Cycleway

You won't be able to catch a train here, but it's a pleasant place to catch your breath on the old train line

Tip by

10.8 km

Blandford Railway Arches and Footbridge

Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site

In addition to the main rail bridge spanning the river, smaller bridges were built to allow traffic and pedestrians to cross the cuttings and track as it travelled north-west. Three bridges were built for this purpose and all of them remain integral to the navigation of the town today. Arguably the most distinctive of them is the Alexandra Street pedestrian footbridge, above the site of the dismantled station. Constructed from iron and now partially supported by four narrow legs, the bridge stands at what was once the northern end of the station, where the single-line section to Templecombe began.
Blandford station remained open until 7 March 1966, when the entire line from Bath to Bournemouth closed to passengers. Goods traffic continued for a further three years, but the station was finally closed and the track lifted in 1969. Following the closure, the Damory railway bridges, on the southern approach to the station, were eventually demolished in 1978.

Tip by

11.2 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types