A new off-road route connecting Wimborne to Trickett’s Cross, Ferndown, has officially opened, providing an accessible pathway for walking, cycling, and wheeling.
Spanning just over four miles, the route offers an alternative to car travel for commuting, school journeys, shopping trips, and leisure activities.
Funded by the central government’s Active Travel Fund, the new pathway links residential areas and community facilities, aiming to reduce road congestion, particularly during peak travel times.
Local residents have welcomed the changes. Jess, an employee at Heathland House Care Home, praised the improvements: “The new path has made walking and cycling to work a lot easier. The increased distance from the road has also made me feel much safer when walking my dog.”
Leonard, a resident of Heathland House, expressed his enthusiasm for the route, sharing that he recently purchased a scooter to explore the area daily.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Place Services, thanked residents and businesses for their patience during the construction and highlighted the benefits of the project: “We have transformed narrow and uneven footpaths into a wide, level off-road route from Wimborne to Ferndown.
“With a major employment centre at Ferndown Industrial Estate and three schools nearby, this provides a safe and sustainable travel option for many people.”
The new pathway is the final stage of an ongoing project to enhance walking, cycling, and wheeling infrastructure along Wimborne Road East and Wimborne Road West in Ferndown. These earlier improvements, completed in 2023, were funded through the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.