Walks & Pubs

Roman Road and Castleman Trailway Circular (8.9mi)

The Goods Yard – Castleman Trailway – Roman Road – Beacon Road – Corfe Lodge Road – Roman Road – Ashington – Merley – Castleman Trailway – The Goods Yard

On this walk, I explore two historic routes – an old Roman Road and an old railway, now known as the Castleman Trailway. Walking in the footsteps of Vespasian and Charles Castleman, I’ll also see parts of Upton Heath, discover an ancient oak tree, pass through busy and quieter areas, and learn more about the history of the area. I’ll finish at a former railway hotel, so come and join me in Broadstone near Poole, Dorset, for another episode of Walks & Pubs.

My walk started and ended at The Goods Yard pub on Station Approach in Broadstone.

From there, I headed to the Castleman Trailway, which took me in a southwesterly direction.

The trailway first runs alongside the busy Broadstone Way, but after a while, the narrow stretch of greenery between residential areas bends further to the west, where it meets the Roman Road.

On the bus to Broadstone

Signpost on the Castleman Trailway in Broadstone

This was the first stretch of the Castleman Trailway I walked

The Castleman Trialway near Broadstone Roundabout

The Castleman Trailway southwest of Broadstone

On the Castleman Trailway

Roman Road and Upton Heath

Now heading north, I followed this ancient route and had a short break before reaching Beacon Road in another residential area.

Here, I left the Roman Road for a while and walked up the hill, where I was rewarded with breathtaking views of Upton Heath and Upton Lake.

Back on the Roman Road, I continued north. Along this stretch, residential streets and footpaths alternate, and I crossed two intersections before arriving at the B3074. After crossing it, I reached Rushcombe Bottom a few yards later, where I left the Roman Road.

Old Railway Bridge over the Roman Road

Upton Heath near Beacon Road

Upton Heath near Beacon Road

Upton Heath near Beacon Road

Upton Heath near Beacon Road

Viewpoint overlooking Upton Heath and Upton Lake

Viewpoint overlooking Upton Heath and Upton Lake

Viewpoint overlooking Upton Heath and Upton Lake

Rushcombe Bottom to Merley

Heading northeast, I soon arrived at one of several old railway bridges in the area. I crossed it and continued via Ashington Lane, passing through Ashington along the way.

At the end of Ashington Lane, I turned right into Willet Road and continued until I passed under the A31, where I found myself near the River Stour, in the northernmost section of the route.

The dividing line between the settlements of Oakley and Merley doesn’t seem entirely clear here, but I passed what I believe to be Oakley first, before arriving at the B3073, known as Oakley Hill.

I came down this path from Lesley’s Heath

The Roman Road near Gladelands Way

Springdale Road

The Roman Road is a residential street here.

The Romans gave their name to this street

Highfield Road / Lancaster Drive junction

Rushcombe Bottom

Field near Oakley

Fenners Field, Castleman Trailway and The Goods Yard

After crossing it, I turned right and, after passing the Willet Arms pub, briefly rejoined the Castleman Trailway. Just a few paces later though, I took a shortcut through the woods, which led me to Fenners Field – likely in Merley – where I had another break, admiring the 500-year-old oak tree.

Back on the Castleman Trailway, I headed southwest, passing an old railway tunnel, Delph Woods, and Broadstone Golf Course, before arriving back in Broadstone.

Thirsty and a little bit tired, I returned to The Goods Yard, where I enjoyed a pint – and the sense of achievement after walking these 8.9 miles.

Watch the video to find out more about this walk.

Lunch at Fenners Field Recreation Ground

Fenners Oak Tree

Rejoining the Castleman Trailway

Merley Tunnel

A short rest on the Castleman Trailway

The Castleman Trailway near Broadstone Golf Course

Signpost on the Castleman Trailway

Signpost on the Castleman Trailway

Broadstone Golf Course

Broadstone Golf Course

The Goods Yard pub

At The Goods Yard

At The Goods Yard

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