Sturminster Marshall Walk
This walk from the Dorset village of Sturminster Marshall explores the National Trust's White Mill before following a section of the Stour Valley Way to Kingston Lacy, Pamphill and Wimborne.
The idyllic village is a pleasant place for a stroll with picturesque thatched cottages, a 13th century church, a fine local pub, riverside trails and a noteworthy old mill to visit.
The walk starts from the White Mill car park, located next to the River Stour, just north of the village. The 18th century mill is in a photogenic spot with a pretty garden by the river. On certain days you can enjoy a guided tour detailing the history of the mill.
From here you can pick up the waymarked footpath and follow it east past Kingston Lacy to delightful village of Pamphill. The route continues into Wimborne before finishing at the historic Wimborne Minster.
Sturminster Marshall Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Sturminster Marshall Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Sturminster Marshall OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Sturminster Marshall Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Sturminster Marshall
- Stour Valley Way - This splendid walk takes you along the River Stour from Hengistbury Head on the Dorset south coast to Stourton in Wiltshire
- Kingston Lacy - Explore the extensive parkland and gardens surrounding this lavish country mansion near Wimborne Minster in Dorset
- Pamphill - This delightful Dorset settlement near Wimborne includes typical village features such as a picturesque green, a cricket pitch, a fine old church and quaint thatched cottages.
- Wimborne - This circular walk around the Dorset town of Wimborne Minster uses part of the Stour Valley Way long distance trail to take you along the river and through the surrounding countryside.
- Witchampton - This walk visits the historic Witchampton Mill before exploring the countryside surrounding the village of Witchampton near Wimborne in Dorset.
- Badbury Rings - Climb this Iron Age hill fort and enjoy wonderful views across the Dorset countryside on this circular walk near Wimborne
- Wareham Forest Way - This walk follows the Wareham Forest Way from Wareham to Sturminster Marshall
- Sika Trail - This signed off road circular trail takes you on a tour of the peaceful Wareham Forest in Dorset.
You will pass through the high forest and open heath of the area with its variety of wildlife - Spetisbury - This pretty village in North Dorset has some lovely riverside walks and an ancient Iron Age Hillfort to visit
Pubs/Cafes
In the village the Red Lion is a good place to enjoy some rest and refreshment after your exercise. The pub serves a fine Sunday roast which you can enjoy in the lovely garden area with views of the surrounding countryside. You can find the inn at postcode BH21 4BU for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The woodland and countryside trails make for a fine dog walk. The Red Lion mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Wareham Forest Way starts/ends in the village. The long distance trail heads to the town of Wareham, passing through the expansive forest on the way.
If you head west along the river you could visit the neighbouring village of Spetisbury where you can enjoy a climb to the Spetisbury Rings Iron Age Hill Fort. There are some lovely views over the area from the top of the ancient fort.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Dorset Walks page.
Photos
Sturminster Marshall, village green. Looking at the village green from its southwestern corner. King's Street is to the right (and behind camera) while Back Lane is to the left.
.jpg)
White Mill Bridge
White Mill in Autumn - Sturminster Marshall. A picturesque C18 watermill by the River Stour, now owned by the National Trust. The mill used to have two water wheels, now gone, but much internal machinery remains. This is a Grade II Listed building.
Thatched cottages
River Stour near White Mill
River Stour, Sturminster Marshall
Pamphill School and Almshouses. Roger Gillingham's original school and almshouses which he endowed in 1698, have now been incorporated into the modern day Pamphill Church of England First School. The old free school is the central portion, with the adjoining alms houses forming east and west wings. Above the entrance door to the school is an inscribed stone plaque
Wimborne Minster, the Minster yard