River Frome walk: Stinsford to Lower Bockhampton disrepair

The pathway along the river Frome from Dorchester is often seen as one of the most picturesque spots in the area.

However, parts of the path on the trail from Stinsford to Lower Bockhampton have eroded away, leading to a call for action.

Described in Stinsford Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan as a ‘heritage asset,’ the route was often used by Thomas Hardy, who attended the school in Lower Bockhampton as a young boy.

Originally, records show that the path goes back to 1778, built by the owner of Kingston Maurward, John Pitt, so villagers would avoid passing through the estate.

Hardy drew inspiration from this walkway in his literature, referencing it in Under the Greenwood Tree. It is the path upon which the reverend of Mellstock meets Dick Dewey, before he tears up a letter to Fancy Day to cast into the river at Gray’s Bridge.

In recent years, gravel has been washed away from the path into the river following heavy floods and rain, making the route prone to flooding from the river, making parts impassable.

George Armstrong, chairman of Stinsford Parish Council, said the state of the path has become worse in the last four to five years because of bad flooding from the river.

READ MORE: Lower Bockhampton Stinsford & Dorchester river walk concern

Mr Armstrong said that the erosion has caused a 3ft drop to certain parts of the path.

“It’s seen a phenomenal decline in use because of the flooding. It’s become too difficult to push a buggy along and, unless others are wearing wellies then they will need to change route,” he said.

Another issue has been that the pathway is one of the only walkable routes to Stinsford Church.

He said: “The river bank needs to be repaired where water has eroded it away. A re-gravelling of the river path is also needed and a long term management plan should be put in place for both the path and river in the future."

Mr Armstrong has also raised concerns about Stinsford Bridge, saying the protector needs resurfacing, as without that, water can get into the brick work which could cause more damage.

Cllr Alistair Chisholm, mayor of Dorchester and local historian, said the trail is ‘deteriorating.’

He said: “It’s in a really bad state of affairs and I am concerned about it.

“It deserves to be looked at. I know it’s difficult given how many footpaths there are in the town but one would think some are more important than others.”

Cllr Chisholm added that Thomas Hardy certainly would have used the path to come into the town, and that there is no good link to Hardy’s Cottage at Thorncombe Woods, saying that this ‘deserves more concern'.

Derek Pride, 82, a local resident who was born in Lower Bockhampton, says the path has fallen into ‘general neglect.’

He said: “It’s gone back tremendously, the meadows are no longer looked after as they used to be, and trees have fallen down across the stream."

Mr Pride added that residents of Lower Bockhampton have been restless about the situation, especially where flooding has already limited access by the use of car.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "We are aware of the issue regarding the riverbank.

"We are liaising with the Environment Agency, and have also deployed some of our contractors to the site to investigate."