East Dorset: Allendale centre Route 1

Wilts and Dorset 13 and Yellow 4d travel between Bournemouth and Wimborne.   Wilts and Dorset 3 and 4 travel between Poole and Wimborne. 

There is parking at the Allenview car park (pay), reached from Allenview Road.

[1] From the entrance to the Allendale Centre on Hanham Road, take the path east (towards the car park) over the footbridge that crosses the River Allen and continue north along the riverside path with the car park on your right and the River Allen on your left.

[2] Continue along this path and after the path bends to the right, cross the river at the blue bridge. Continue now with the river on your right and playing fields on your left.

[3] The path brings you out on to the Wimborne Road with Walford bridge on the right.  Turn left.

Immediately before East Borough on your left, cross Wimborne Road with care and go straight into the narrow lane ahead, Knobcrook Road, which takes you to Walford Mill.

[4] Continue along Knobcrook Rd until you reach Stone Lane. Cross the road with care and take the road opposite. Pass Blind Lane and a garage on your left and take the footpath immediately on your left. 

[5] Continue along this footpath with playing fields on the right and cottages on your left. After passing a school playground on your right the path brings you out on to School Lane. The school is on the right.

[6] Cross the lane and continue along the path almost opposite (slightly to your right) which is part of Redcotts Lane. Coming to the British Legion, which is a low, pebble-dashed building on your left, turn left off Redcotts Lane through the British Legion car park and come out on to West Borough.

[7] Turn left along this road passing the front of the Tivoli theatre. Cross the road at the traffic lights and proceed along Priors Walk, which becomes Hanham Road.

[8] Cross at the pedestrian controlled crossing to return to the Allendale Centre immediately on your right.

A. The river Allen is a chalk stream which is one the " twin-bournes" which gives Wimborne its name - the other being the Stour. The river was formerly called the Wimborne.  Boards describing the wildlife to be seen, can be read along the riverside path.

B. Walford Mill is a beautifully converted water mill which is now a craft centre and courtyard, with workshops and an  exhibition gallery. There is also a cafe and restaurant.

C. The Tivoli theatre was built in1936 and retains many Art Deco features.

Photo - Wimborne, riverside walk © (Mike Faherty) / CC BY-SA 2.0