Stinsford to Bockhampton river path repaired ahead of autumn

As previously reported, the Stinsford to Lower Bockhampton river path near Dorchester had fallen into a state of disrepair as parts of the path had eroded away and were prone to flooding from the River Frome. 

The path had eroded away (Image: George Armstrong) 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.

Stinsford parish councillor, and former chair, George Armstrong said that the erosion has caused a 3ft drop to certain parts of the path. The pathway was one of the only routes to Stinsford Church. “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 previously said.

The path was prone to flooding making it inaccessible (Image: George Armstrong) Now, following a summer of works from Dorset Council to the area, the path has been repaired, with the banks reinforced with beams and stones, in a bid to stop material washing away.

Speaking after the repairs were carried out, Mr Armstrong said: “It’s great because people from Dorchester can now walk all the way out to Bockhampton, and loads of families have been using it since.

The repaired pathway has been raised above the river (Image: George Armstrong) “The water now flows down the river path, and not the foot path and it looks like it will resist the wet weather this season.”

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: "The work should be finished within the next week. We’ve used steel beams and oak to reinforce the banks, and backfilled with stone. The design of the repairs will allow peak water flows to breach the banks without washing the material away."

The repaired pathway has been raised above the river (Image: George Armstrong) 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.

Thomas 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.