The Sustrans National Cycle Network (NCN) plan for Dorset included for Route 2, links both to the north and south of Poole Harbour. Within the NCN in Dorset document March 1998, this was maps 9 and 10.
The principle of a route is set out in Policy SS15 of Purbeck District Council Local Plan. This states that a cycleway will be provided between Wareham and Upton which should be segregated from motorised traffic where possible. A council officer suggests that this will probably be along the A351. However, experience shows that routes along fast out of town main roads are poorly used. This project suggests a spectacular alternative.
The route has been nominated under the Sustrans Connect2 scheme. Please pledge your support via this link.
The Wareham to Poole Miltary Railway route forms a key section of the Poole Harbour Trails project, which aims to link up and extend walking and cycling links right around Poole Harbour.
The main delay to progress on the North Harbour route is as it was hoped to be funded from, and accommodated partly within the envelope of a new town development at Sandford, and the attendant Sandford Bypass. This development has been rejected at appeal.
The nature of the route proposed by Sustrans in 1999 is on-pavement along the Western section, and having traversed the new housing estate to avoid the main road, heads back to the main road and Bakers Arms roundabout, then meeting the Upton Bypass before reaching Watery Lane and Upton. All national guidance now suggests that pavement routes should be an option of last resort., and in the accompanying narrative, it is suggested that the pavements are narrow for shared use.
Whilst the original proposal recognises that traffic volumes along this road are heavy and therefore the A351 should be avoided in the middle section, it makes no equivalent suggestion at the ends.
It is important to consider the degree to which the route is likely to be used for leisure, commuting, and/or routes to school. The focus to the west is Wareham and links to Dorchester and Swanage. To the East is the continental ferryport, Poole and Bournemouth, and the link through Upton to the NCN 25 to Frome. There is a school at Sandford along the route. Does the catchment go beyond Sandford ? The balance of these needs ought to influence the nature and route of provision.
In the absence of more detailed surveys and modelling, I would suggest that the main potential usage will be leisure, with the focus on access from the urban conurbation of Poole/Bournemouth to the Isle of Purbeck. There is a good cycleway linking Upton to the centre of Poole. There is currently poor provision in Hamworthy, but significant changes planned with the redevelopment associated with the new Bridge.
Holton Heath Station to Hamworthy/Upton
There is an old military railway running alongside the main railway line between Holton Heath Station and Rockley Jetty. This has many attractions, being mostly completely off road with good harbour views.
There is a straight footpath across English Nature land (which I am told is a Roman Road) which, converted to dual use, links Holton Heath to the centre of Sandford. One small bridge across a ford would need widening, and consideration to ground nesting birds.
The biggest cost will be to cross at the Rockley Viaduct, and this depends on the degree to which the existing viaduct might support the structure. The new Hungerford Footbridges in London are partially supported on the piers of the existing Hungerford railway bridge, but the footings at Rockley appear large enough to support a single span link.
It is clear from very recent work at the Rockley Viaduct that encroachment by holidaymakers and locals on the railway is a significant problem. No amount of fencing will dissuade the determined from crossing, and both the holiday camp and Railway would perhaps contribute to providing a proper crossing facility.
The track bed is mostly of reasonable leisure use quality, except the section approaching the Rockley Viaduct, which would need a raised platform or buildout of the stone embankment.
English Nature manage most of Holton Heath. This is a National Nature Reserve, but because of the previous Cordite Factory, the land is contaminated with Asbestos. The English nature website suggests that this land is likely to stay closed indefinitely. It is fenced off. They suggest that they hope to welcome visitors to their reserve on the harbour side at Holton Heath Station.
The route passes alongside the nature reserve, and near a delightful part of the harbour. The environmental impact of the route, and particularly construction work on the viaduct would require an impact study, as well as the engineering implications.
| Military Railway Route | |
|---|---|
| Holton Heath Station | |
| Road through industrial estate to Start of track | 1.25 Km on road |
| Track to bridge across mainline railway | 1 Km existing track |
| Track to Rockley Viaduct | 1 Km existing except bridges |
| Route through caravan park to Ham Hill junction | 1 Km |
| Ham Hill junction to Hamworthy Station | 1.25 Km |
| 5.5 km, away from main roads | |
| NCN Original proposal | |
| Holton Heath -> French Farm | 4.25 Km |
| To Hamworthy Viaduct | 3 Km |
| 7.25 Km mixture of types |
Andy Hadley, Poole Agenda 21, February 2003 (updated Oct 2003)
Postscript : This document, an attempt to link Poole and Wareham safely for walkers and cyclists, has been shared with local councils, cycling groups and other interested parties. During 2005, a separate proposal for a round 'Poole Harbour Trail' has been presented to the Borough of Poole, Dorset County and Purbeck District Councils. Some monies have been earmarked for a feasability study. We are working on the two schemes together. http://www.pooleharbourtrails.org.uk/
contact Andy : poole_la21 @ yahoo.com
Cordite Factory www.corfe-castle.demon.co.uk/hh1.html
Nature Reserve : www.english-nature.org.uk/ search for Holton Heath NNR
NCN in Dorset : Appx 2 Map 10 North Harbour Route-Holton Heath to Upton
The base of the bridge is corrugated metal, with sheeting which presumably supported the rails. It is possible to get across, but this would need either filling in some way, or planking to create a level surface.
The railings are a reasonable height, but to protect from vandals, I suspect would need some form of mesh (which would detract from the view).
The Rockley Viaduct across the entrance to Lychett Bay shows signs of very recent maintenance work. The bridge has been repainted, with extensive security fencing. The railway clearly recognise that there is a problem with people crossing on the rails, but the solution – extending the fencing- extends the danger.
Presumably as part of the maintenance, a track has been built up on the Hamworthy side of the bridge. I would have thought that the extent of the existing footings for the bridge would support a pedestrian/foot span.
On the Upton side of the gap, the embankment would need building out and up, or to have a boardwalk on the seaward side.
