Remains of the Old Railway Bridge – Spetisbury Station loop from Blandford Forum
Remains of the Old Railway Bridge – Spetisbury Station loop from Blandford Forum
47
runners
Remains of the Old Railway Bridge – Spetisbury Station loop from Blandford Forum
01:11
11.3km
80m
Running
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
336 m
Remains of the Old Railway Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
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
Tip by
5.65 km
Spetisbury Station
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
5.65 km
Blandford Disused Railway Trail
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
10.9 km
Blandford Railway Arches and Footbridge
Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site
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
11.3 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.44 km
867 m
448 m
363 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
7.71 km
2.49 km
766 m
271 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Thursday 21 May
24°C
11°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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