Tag: Dorchester

A River Walk

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 Quiet
Where 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 Parsley
Dove Cote
A family outing
Sunlight on water
One Swan a swimming (there were actually two)
The Blue Bridge – leads out to the water meadows
The Blue Bridge
Water 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 They are no longer maintained but in the late spring this is smothered in buttercups.
Buttercups
A green tunnel – lovely shade on a hot day
Iris pseudacorus, the yellow flag, yellow iris, or water flag
Wild 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.