The Serenity of the North Dorset Trailway Cycle Ride

A cycle ride along the North Dorset Railway from Sturminster Newton, through Shillingstone Railway Station, Stourpaine, Blandford Forum, Charlton Marshall and ending at the disused Spetisbury Railway Station in the south of England.
I've had this ride in my notebook for some time but I hadn't quite worked out how I would get there. The nearest railway stations were some miles away from the start and in more minor stations which would mean many train connections and a lot more road riding. The opportunity to loan a car made me think "Lets do the North Dorset Railway, now".
We start in the town of Sturminster Newton. The main carpark is right at the start of the trail and at the time only £4 for all day parking made this an obvious place to park up for the day.
This trail reminds me very much of the Strawberry Line trail in Somerset. A similar trail surface, the English countryside rolling by and disused stations and halts to pass through. While the Strawberry line has a tunnel and the beautiful Cheddar Gorge, I think this trail has more to see along the way including the fantastic North Dorset Railway - Shillingtone Station.
The volunteers at the heritage were super friendly and spoke to me about the steam train they have in the tent that they're working on. They have a short stretch of track along the station and I was informed that the steam train should be ready to move under its own steam this summer (2024).
Their pride in the work really shows in what they have achieved in repairing the abandoned station to what it is today. If you have chance to visit, have a look at the photo of the station from the 1980s on one of the placards and keep that in mind as you walk around the platforms. I wish them luck for the future.
I spent a little while cycling around Blandford Forum and had lunch at the bakery, a very nice sandwich and hot chocolate and friendly service, before moving on and picking up the second half of the trail just outside of Blandford St Mary.
The trail then takes us onto the final remaining disused stations of this cycle ride. I believe cycling further south is possible on a quiet route and possibly even end as far as Bournemouth.
This was certainly one of those beautiful idyllic trails worth riding, even with the air still chilly given it's only just the start of spring but the sun was certainly warm, I can imagine how nice this will be in the mid summer when all the field crops are out and flowers and trees and in full flourish.
I hope you enjoy this one.

[@Ianjeffery2500]

What a beautiful, peaceful and entertaining video, thank you. Shown me a part of the world I would not have considered riding in. There is such beauty all around us here and we must keep it and cherish it.

[@MadisonTen]

Thanks, Ian. So many places I wouldn't have seen without a bike. Much appreciated ☺️🚴🏻‍♀️

[@ma_rin_49]

What a great trail to ride, one of my favourite old railways the Somerset & Dorset (S&D) or the slow and dirty as it was nicknamed, magic! Hope you've fully recovered from your tumble, never a pleasant occurrence and something never planned for. What a really enjoyable video and thanks so much for taking us along, take care.

[@MadisonTen]

Thanks so much! Why did they Nick name the line the Slow and Dirty?

[@ma_rin_49]

@@MadisonTen I believe it was a nickname given to the S&D by those who regularly used the line. The slow part was probably due to the terrain it crossed including the Mendips where trains would need to be double headed or banked (loco added to the rear) to get them over the steep gradients at a slow pace. The dirty was no doubt down to the steam traction and the dirt and grime that produces, the line was always a steam railway never having any diesel services on it. There were two other nicknames, Slow and Doubtful and Swift and Delightful. The doubtful I would imagine would refer to unreliable services, I have no explanation for the swift but the delightful no doubt alluded to the landscape it passed through. The last train over the line was hauled by 92220 Evening Star which was the last steam loco produced for British Railways. Some of these answers are speculation on my part hope it helps though.

[@MadisonTen]

@@ma_rin_49 Thank you so much, that’s super interesting. I had a feeling it would be something like that but wasn’t sure if the dirty was related to something more industrial being carried. Still, give how long the line has been gone I can still imagine the steam trains running along there. I hope they are able to lay a stretch of line there along side the path like they’ve done between bristol and bath.

[@ma_rin_49]

I think riding a rail trail evokes thoughts of what went before adding to the enjoyment of the ride. Back to the 'dirty', coal was transported on the S&D from the North Somerset coalfields around Radstock and Midsomer Norton. There are numerous videos on KZbin of the line when it was in full use.

[@markjenkins3329]

This is my home patch and do this ride regularly on a fat trike recumbent, you made me see it in a new light. Thanks for posting.

[@MadisonTen]

Thanks, Mark! Such a nice trail. I wish I could get to it easier. I’ve never tried a recumbent but they look so much fun.

[@keithdainton6043]

Great video as usual you really do deserve many more subs and views .

[@MadisonTen]

Thank you, Keith! ☺️🚴🏻‍♀️

[@miketreloar8285]

Very nice ride, thank you for sharing it. I imagine that trail might be very popular in the summer. Hope you recovered from the fall. Best wishes and thanks again.

[@MadisonTen]

Thank you, Mike. Just bruises. I’m all good. ☺️🚴🏻‍♀️

[@EdmundMurray-n4e]

Lovely well made video. I live near to this trail, have ridden it several times, but your film made me see it in a new light. Keep up the excellent work.

[@MadisonTen]

Thanks, Edmund. Funny enough it was on Channel 4 last night following the same trail. Fab place. 🚴🏻‍♀️

[@richardterry9788]

The old railways sadden me, though without cycling they would probably be forgotten. When I asked as a boy what be when I grew up. I always said “Engine Driver”. xx

[@MadisonTen]

Yes it is sad. Especially when landowners have encroached over the railway and not so keen on allowing access. There is one near me like that. That said, I'm in two minds, if Beeching didn't close all those lines would we have just not got romantic about the old railways and see them as just transport? Of course Beeching wasn't accountable for all of them. One thing I've learnt from some of the trails I've cycled is that some closed long before the cuts. Let's hope more are restored and accessible. Thanks, Richard!

[@richardterry9788]

Thank you Madison, watching your trails encourages me to get well and on my bike xx

[@MadisonTen]

@@richardterry9788 A great goal to have ☺️🚴‍♀️

[@richardterry9788]

Love this ride, not too narrow. Shilingstone wonderfully ghostly nostalgic of a by gone age. When I was asked what I wanted to be when grown up, always answered engine driver !! Till diesels took over lol xx

[@MadisonTen]

Shillingstone was so lovely and the people so nice. Never too late to have a go at steam train driving? 🤔 what do you think? ☺️

[@richardterry9788]

@@MadisonTen great idea can you do it from Bitton,shillistone or Minehead ? xx

[@MadisonTen]

I’ve no idea. I’ve never looked into it. I suspect the options are either pay for an experience day or train to be a driver (pun not intended) and volunteer at a heritage railway, but I imagine the opportunities are thin.

[@richardterry9788]

@@MadisonTen I suspect there are several places to try. Just keeping a look out. Your journeys one place to follow, I reckon you like trains too. xx

[@julianhawker7672]

Get you in your short sleeves! 😉 I've not ventured there, yet this year.............. soon hopefully 🤞☀ I rode a few bits of this trail last year when I bikepacked the Dorset dirt 100 route, that use's bits of it . Its a nice route but there are some savage climbs (on a loaded bike) I camped in a field near Shillingstone, after coming down a mahoosive hill, with amazing views from the top. Arnica cream for the bruises (Next time) works a treat but get it on as soon as you can after the "event" Take care. 👍

[@MadisonTen]

Hehe, it was borderline for short sleeves. 🤭 wow that sounds like an incredible adventure. That’s the thing, there are all sorts of awesome storage options for bikes but the weight and hills, feuw! 🥵 but worth it for the adventure and like you say, those views. Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll see if I can get some for my first aid kit. 🩹

[@richardterry9788]

I hope you never get lonely on these journeys. I’m with you on every one . Haunting whistle. xx

[@MadisonTen]

It’s surprising how many people you get to say hello to along the way. Not so much on the remote trails ☺️🚴🏻‍♀️ thanks, Richard.

[@tonywhite5033]

Really enjoyed that. Good weather makes all the difference. Sorry you had an off day, hope it’s not too sore.

[@MadisonTen]

Definitely. Blue skies and beautiful scenery go together quite well ☺️ yeah I’m all fine.

[@gren509]

That was inspiring, and very interesting music - thank you.

[@MadisonTen]

Much appreciated!

[@sheilastallard]

Hi there!! Just found your channel and let me say what a refreshing change from the other cycling channels we have. My husband and myself ride Bromptons and try to take them with us on holidays , we going to Hereford in a few weeks time so husband will be looking closely at maps to work out a route. Looking forward to seeing more from you. Stay Safe and try not to fall off your bike!!! xx

[@MadisonTen]

Thank you, Sheila! Hope you have a great time cycling Hereford. Such a nice place. Plenty to see there. I’ll try to stay on the saddle 🤭🚴🏻‍♀️

[@Gladysthenarrowboat]

Wow - quite an epic! Some nice photography there. 😊You covered a lot of ground there MT, and lots of content I'd have loved to have seen myself - trains, bridges, swollen rivers. And cake, obviously! Great to see the Yellow Bicycle Cafe - very apt, both for your bike and also mine too! As usual, your piano music was great - especially at 34 minutes in. With the rubbish internet connection I have here, a 51 minute video like this would take me 7 hours or more to upload - I imagine you have something faster! Ouch - I felt that fall. At the time, whenever crashing, in my experience, it always seems to me to happen in slow motion. You seem to have escaped more or less ok - my first thought is always for the bike whenever I've fallen. I hope you and it are both ok? 👍

[@MadisonTen]

Thank you! A trail that would suit the Brompton I think. I couldn’t find anywhere for the bike to go for the yellow bike cafe which was a shame. Yes, it took a while to upload even with a fibre connection, but that said it took about 4 hours for KZbin to process the HD and 4K version which is where most of the hold up is for me since going 4K. I expect there are better times of day/week where it will get done faster. Yes I’m all ok thank you. I rolled into my rucksack with had a full water reservoir in so it cushioned the fall. I was going very slow so a minor fall as the handle bars caught on the railing, it was quite funny. ☺️ I was hit by a van on my bike as a kid and I remember that being slow motion.

[@Gladysthenarrowboat]

@@MadisonTen Yes indeed, but in the summer though - as I did spy a few muddy bits - enough to put off a wimp like me! Pity about the cafe 😒. Glad you're okay - I have caught handlebars in a fence once too - its easily done, although I didn't think it was funny! So far been lucky and not hit off by a vehicle - mostly fallen off after touching wheels in a group ride, or failing to unclip (which is more embarrassing usually than damaging). I just use platform pedals now anyway.

[@MadisonTen]

Yes, summer would be much nicer when it’s all dried out. Flat pedals for me too. So much easier.

[@Gladysthenarrowboat]

if my boat still isn't finished by then, I'll certainly give this route a go! 👍

[@bigyellowbusgardenproject-9371]

Cant believe you didn't film the Big Yellow Bus Garden Project you rode past at 18 mins ish (LOL)

[@MadisonTen]

Funny enough now you mention it I remember seeing it on the way back, on the left I think (when heading north)? There's always something I miss on these things and I usually find out later on ☺️ Hope it going well.

[@whichypoohs]

Even though I have a gravel bike I’m still tempted by that Rockhopper. Do I need another bike? Yes. Great content. Thanks 😊

[@MadisonTen]

No one particularly ‘needs’ more than one bike 🤣 I guess it depends why you want it. Ask yourself what you think it might do that the gravel bike isn’t doing for you? There probably isn’t much you can’t do at the moment, may be a comfort thing but that might be minimal. Food for thought. Thanks! ☺️🚴🏻‍♀️

[@davidpayne8413]

Sad about your off, but a superb video, looking forward to more. Ex Pat Brit living in the Philippines, I do so miss the UK countryside. I ride a Giant Fathom 29er 1X12 XT, I'm 70. it's great for the state of the roads here.

[@MadisonTen]

Thank you. It was only a little fall, I’m good 🙂 So good to hear you’re still cycling and using a 29, they really eat up the miles. I looked it up, nice looking frame. I bet you see some amazing scenic weather out there in the Philippines?

[@theheathen100]

beautiful countryside, I'm (almost) jealous.

[@MadisonTen]

☺️🔆🚴🏻‍♀️

[@joedannunzio9416]

I thought that 1 of the bench portrait looked like you and another looked like me as a small boy. 😂

[@MadisonTen]

Haha. May be Sustrans arranged a portrait without telling me. ☺️

[@fatbiker5159]

Great choice of route. Some very nice atmospheric misty footage. Lots of interesting history. Shame about the off. Always a risk I suppose.

[@MadisonTen]

Thanks, I have to thank the weather for that. Quite lucky. Yes, my own fault for not paying attention. ☺️

[@anthonyharman7837]

Really liked it thanks your description was very blurred but well done

[@MadisonTen]

Thanks very much, Anthony! If the subtitles are blurry this could be the KZbin quality setting. If you continue to have this issue, click the cog in the KZbin app or website while playing the video, check in the Quality section that you have a high quality picture setting (720p, 1080p or higher), if it doesn’t allow you to set it high you can override in the Advanced section. I hope that’s helpful, sometimes it can be down to internet speed at the time. 🚴🏻‍♀️ 🥂

[@bebobbebob8275]

Beautifully made. May I ask what type of camera you used ?

[@MadisonTen]

Thank you! Sure thing. I use 3 cameras currently, GoPro Hero 12 Black, an Apple IPhone 15 max and a GoPro Hero Session 4. Any videos before January 2024 I was using the GoPro Hero Session 4 and a Samsung Galaxy S8 (which I use as a backup now). On rare occasions I might also use a Canon 1100D DSLR camera with a decent lens if I have a good reason to take it but it adds to the weight of my luggage so it’s rare.

[@pedallinraw]

Nice day for it ….they plan to connect cheddar with frome ….imagine it connected with the dorset section! Hope you healed up ok…🤨….what happened anyway ? 🧐 🙂👍🏻

[@MadisonTen]

Oh that would be a really nice ride if they can join them up. I was filming with my left hand off the handle bar, trying to keep left because of a pedestrian approaching the bridge and the handle bar got caught in the railing of the bridge. It was comical. 😂 yes, I’m all good. Just bruises, thanks.

[@joedannunzio9416]

Will the car be a permanent fixture in your videos now Madison? Plus I didn't know you had a fall until I read a comment. Had to watch your video again to see it .hope there's no lasting effects.

[@MadisonTen]

No, not at the moment. The car was on loan specifically for that ride, my bike doesn’t fit in my own car. That’s ok, it was only in the bonus footage, I’m all fine, thanks. My bruise is nearly gone now 🤭

[@Trevor.Adams640]

We love to cycle old railway lines (me, my wife and our dog in a trailer) and have done quite a few. Will add this one to our “to do” list.

[@MadisonTen]

Heaven! ☺️ it’s a nice trail. Let’s us know how you get on if you get there 🚴🏻‍♀️

[@sheilastallard]

Hi there must ask are going to do more rides and videos this year?

[@MadisonTen]

Yes, definitely. There should have been two new ones by now but I’ve been ill for several weeks. We have train strikes this weekend as well. It never ends. Hope to sort something soon. Thanks!

[@sheilastallard]

@@MadisonTen I hope your feeling better xxx Have to admit the train strikes have affected us in one way or another, and some of your rides are on disused railway lines.

[@MadisonTen]

The irony of it 🙂 thanks very much.

[@JohnEssex-m7q]

Give us more time to read the captions

[@MadisonTen]

Thanks. All done on new videos.

[@sneekylinux]

You should have popped in for a cuppa ( I live on the trailway!)

[@MadisonTen]

Earl Grey on standby please ☺️ really nice trail.

[@sneekylinux]

@@MadisonTen The hill after Shillingstone is a bugger if you are running/jogging though!🤣

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

wouldn't it be great if it could go all the way to Broadstone.

[@MadisonTen]

Yes, and potentially be able to get to the sea side. It would be nice if it was also extended west to somewhere like Sherborne for the railway station, but I don’t know the area if that’s possible.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

@MadisonTen it depends on 2 things, 1/ how much of the old S&DJR track is still accessable and 2/ Funding of course.

[@MadisonTen]

@@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834 I can imagine getting the land being difficult and lots of red tape.

[@Mr_wayne0805]

Love it. Always wondered how far you could go from Blandford. Nice touch waiting for a train at the end. Hope you were OK after your gravity check. 🫢

[@MadisonTen]

@@Mr_wayne0805 Thanks. 🛤🚂☺️im good thanks.