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North Dorset Cycleway |
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Description |
 This terrific signed circular route takes you on a tour of some of the prettiest villages and finest countryside in this beautiful county. You will pass through the Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the delightful Blackmore Vale.
The ride starts at Gillingham railway and heads towards the lovely town of Sturminster Newton. Situated on the River Stour the town boasts an ancient working watermill which is now a museum.
From Sturminster Newton you continue to Ibberton and the fabulous Ibberton Hill with spectacular views of Dorset's AONB. The ride then descends to Milton Abbas where you will find pretty thatched cottages and the impressive Milton Abbas Abbey, which is now a school. The village is often shown on picture postcards of Dorset with the 36 quaint white-washed and thatched cottages each fronted by a lawn.
The next stage takes you to the market town of Blandford Forum where you cross the River Stour. Pleasant riverside sections along the Stour and the River Tarrant follow before passing through Moor Crichel, Gussage All Saints and Farnham.
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Distance | 71 miles (114 km) |
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Difficulty | **** |
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Joining Routes | Sturminster Newton, Blandford Forum, Milton Abbas, Shaftesbury |
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Memory Map Route | North Dorset Cycleway.mmo (right click - 'Save As') |
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GPX File | North Dorset Cycleway.gpx (right click - 'Save As')
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Elevation | 
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Route Photos |  |  |  |  | The Watermill Sturminster Newton | Near Ibberton | Milton Abbas Abbey | Milton Abbas |  |  |  |  | River Stour At Blandford Forum | Weir on the Tarrant | Ashmore | Countryside view from Shaftesbury |
 Photos are copyrighted by their owners
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Map (Route in Red)
Aerial Photo View of this route
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