I do like to be close to water and if it can’t be the sea then a river will do as long as there is a walk alongside it. When I lived in Ludlow, Shropshire, I often walked along the River Teme doing a loop between the Dinham bridge near the castle and Ludford bridge. It was a pretty walk taking in the Whitcliffe common and the native woodland.
(please click on an image to enlarge in full)
Start of the walk off London Road
So when I chose Dorchester for my recent holiday I was pleased to find that there is a river walk which takes you out to the water meadows. And further afield if you want.
Peace and QuietWhere the river divides. Left into town, right towards the water meadows and blue bridge.The river divides into several streams in this area. This is the Mill Stream which powered Friary Mill.The Hangman’s Cottage.Cow ParsleyDove CoteA family outingSunlight on waterOne Swan a swimming (there were actually two)The Blue Bridge – leads out to the water meadowsThe Blue BridgeWater meadows. The system of water channels, weirs and hatches to regulate the flow of water was developed by Dutch engineers in the 17th century. A small amount of water meant that the grass continued to grow even through the winter. They are no longer maintained but in the late spring this is smothered in buttercups.ButtercupsA green tunnel – lovely shade on a hot dayIris pseudacorus, the yellow flag, yellow iris, or water flagWild flowers including comfrey and lady’s smock / cuckoo flower along a nature reserve boardwalk, a weir, the blue bridge and signs that the Romans were here. They built a town here in AD 43 (Durnovaria) and there are several Roman reminders around the town.Whitebeam. There are lots of native trees growing alongside the river and lots of birds too. Whilst sitting in the riverside reserve I heard many different species: sparrows, song thrush, robin, blue tit, chiffchaff, great tit, blackbird, wren and goldfinch among others. (Thanks to the Merlin app)
It is a lovely flat walk beside the river with several benches on which to sit and enjoy the birdsong and the mallards.
And as I know Jo loves to be beside water this one is for one of her Monday Walks.
I have lived in the UK for most of my life, but when young I definitely had wanderlust and even ended up living in South Africa for several years which was a wonderful experience. I now look forward to a long and leisurely retirement doing what I like most - gardening, photography, walking and travelling.
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7 thoughts on “A River Walk”
What a lovely peaceful meander, Jude. So very green and overgrown in places and terribly English. It has a lot in common with the canal walk I’ll be featuring on Monday, but prettier. That cottage is far too grand for a hangman, and I love the duck family and yellow irises. I was quietly looking over your shoulder. I could like Dorchester. Thanks! xx
I too think that a waterside walk – whether sea, lake, river or stream is the best. In fact I find towns that lack rivers just Will Not Do. Luckily, Ripon has three. And a canal. What a lovely walk you’ve shared wih us
TRAVEL WORDS 
What a lovely peaceful meander, Jude. So very green and overgrown in places and terribly English. It has a lot in common with the canal walk I’ll be featuring on Monday, but prettier. That cottage is far too grand for a hangman, and I love the duck family and yellow irises. I was quietly looking over your shoulder. I could like Dorchester. Thanks! xx
A lovely peaceful stretch of the river, town to one side, countryside to the other. And you can continue the walk to a nice little English pub.
Perfect! xx
I too think that a waterside walk – whether sea, lake, river or stream is the best. In fact I find towns that lack rivers just Will Not Do. Luckily, Ripon has three. And a canal. What a lovely walk you’ve shared wih us
You are quite spoiled then. Are there good walks in Ripon then?
A beautiful photo set, Jude. Like you, I always want to be near water.
And you have your beautiful lake.