We had not actually intended to go see this bridge or do this walk today.  After getting up to be out of the house by 7am on a Sunday we wanted to go see the Poppy field at Badbury Rings but when we got there we found that the field no longer seemed to have any poppies and the parking was closed.

So I consulted my trusted notes on my phone to see what else was in the area I would like to see for this blog and 10 minutes away back in Wimborne was the ‘Lady Wimborne Bridge’.

I had actually seen this bridge before but had no idea about it when I saw it. Often this seems to happen to me that I see a building or place and know nothing about it and do not think twice about it.  Then I will be doing some research after the fact (typical, but I always run out of time before I go somewhere to do all the research I would like), I will find something fascinating about where I had been and often look through my photos to see that I have in fact taken a photo of it already but just had no idea what it was!  In these cases I always want to go back and see it again as peering upon something of interest when you actually know the interesting parts about it make it so much a joy to behold!

So with this in mind, off we went to find parking and find this bridge again.

Before reaching the bridge we came across some Iron Turnstiles that were quite tight to get through, especially with a baby in a sling in front of you.  Turns out as my husband found, there is a path way to the side which is a lot easier, but a lot less fun and adventurous to use in my opinion.

Another 5 minutes of walking along what was once the Carriage driveway leading up to the magnificent Canford Manor (Now Canford School), imaging all the old Men and women of wealth bumping along here on their way to see the Lord and Lady of the Manor, there she was, the beautiful Lady Wimborne Bridge.  Surrounded by woodland it almost feels as if you have stumped across a forgotten and abandoned piece of architecture in the middle of nowhere.  But of course you soon remember that this is not the case when you have to step out of the way of the multitudes of runners whilst trying to take photos from every which angle.   But luckily at this time in the morning it was relatively quiet.

Built in the mid 1800’s it was originally called simply Bridge 77, a number of many across the Southampton and Dorchester railway line.  However this is no ordinary bridge, it is one of the most highly decorated railway bridges in England.  You can stand at one side of this bridge for an age looking at all the detail only to go through the arch and discover even more on the other side.

To the side of the bridge you will find some steps that say they lead to a viewpoint, if a metal fence stopping you getting too close to the edge count as a viewpoint then woohoo, but for me this was a tad disappointing if understandable for safety reasons.  Maybe there is another viewpoint but I missed it?!?

Anyway continue along the path to the left at the top of the steps and follow for a short distance the trail of the old railway line until you reach some more steps going back down.  This brought us out to a lovely pathway to walk along the river Stour.  Watching the folks in their row boats fighting against the wind can be quite entertaining for a short while.

You can walk all the way down to Canford School along the river, it is not too far.  But due to our mishap with the Poppy field this morning it was time for us to head back and get our little one some breakfast.

But a thoroughly enjoyable early morning adventure.

Interesting Note: Lady Wimborne was Winston Churchills Aunt

Parking and Getting There:  Park on Whitehouse Road or Oakley Road and head back towards the main road, Oakley hill.  Turn right.  Not far along you will see a green SturValley sign, turn Right here and through the turnstiles and follow the path.