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101 wesT Lydford, r Brue A pretty stretch of river running by the church lawns, with rope swing. , West Lydford is just off the A37, near the B3153 junction (Lydford-on-Fosse). Footpath runs through churchyard to weir and then footbridge. Better views and a rope swing via track on opposite bank. Please help keep churchyard litter free. 2 mins, 51.0846, -2.6236 1 8 q
104 sTurminsTer newTon, r sTour An open stretch of the Stour with grassy banks by Colber Bridge. Water is a little weedy and slow, but clean and deep. , Walk down The Row by the library and village hall. At end of the cul-de-sac (100m) pass through iron gate and follow footpath down the hill and straight over (150m). Long swims in either direction. 5 mins, 50.9280, -2.3105 1 q
102 BaLTonsBorough, r Brue Large, stepped weir cascade on River Brue with pool beneath. , Follow river footpath downstream from West Lydford 2 miles or find footpath S of Baltonsborough, on R. 5 mins, 51.1019, -2.6473 1 =
105 fiddLeford manor, r sTour Mill pool and sluices by old manor. , Signed Fiddleford Manor on L, a mile E of Sturminster Newton (A357). Free car park and free entry to the lovely 14th-century ‘solar’ with extraordinary ancient roof. 5 mins, 50.9215, -2.2855 7 1
103 parchey Bridge, chedzoy King’s Sedgemoor ‘drain’ is actually a very clean and wild river, albeit a bit straight. , From M5 J23 follow A39 Glastonbury, then R at lights, A39 Bridgewater. Turn L signed Chedzoy. Turn L in Chedzoy at the T-juction (Front Street). Cycle Route 3. 5 mins, 51.1353, -2.9278 1 2 c h
106 wimBorne minsTer, r sTour A wide, popular river pool with a riverside beach, footbridge and a small weir. Good walks or swims. Kingston Lacy NT, beech avenue and Babury Rings nearby. , Heading W out of Wimborne on the B3082 Blandford road, turn L down Cowgrove Rd, signed for the football club.
Continue ¾ mile to find small parking area and river on L. 2 mins, 50.8000, -2.0076 1 q 107 moreTon ford, r frome A wide, gravel ford and shallow pool, lined with willows and tree swings. Popular with families – the long footbridge is good for Pooh Sticks. Next to the church where Lawrence of Arabia was buried. , Signed on L off the B3390, S of Tolpuddle. Turn L at Moreton Tea Rooms (well worth a visit – a regular winner of Dorset tea room of the year DT2 8RH, 01929 463647). 2 mins, 50.7047, -2.2763 s q 108 wareham Bridge, r frome A popular spot for swimming, picnics and boating on a hot summer day. , Wareham old bridge is in the centre of the town, off the A351. The downstream side is best for putting boats in the water but you can also walk and swim upstream to find a bit more tranquillity. 2 mins, 50.6839, -2.1095 1 2 q
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