It is now possible to travel from Wimborne to Trickett’s Cross, Ferndown (7km or over 4 miles) without using the car.
The off-road route provides a safe pathway for walking, wheeling and cycling for getting to work, school, the shops or for leisure. It also links to new residential areas and community facilities.
It enables more people to cycle, walk or catch the bus, reducing road congestion, especially during rush hours, and improving health
With around 5,000 people commuting daily* to the Ferndown Industrial Estate and the three local schools, the route offers a realistic alternative to travelling by car.
This route, funded by the central government’s Active Travel Fund, completes a joined-up network of routes and bus improvements between Wimborne and Ferndown and aims to significantly reduce this number of people commuting by car.
The improvements include:
- new wide paths for walking, cycling and wheeling, including textured areas to assist the visually impaired
- upgraded traffic light crossing points with modern technology, reducing wait times for road users and improving traffic flow
- rebuilt and resurfaced carriageway to reduce the need for future maintenance
- landscaping and planting with wildflower seeding on the verges
- bus stop improvements with new and refurbished shelters, real-time information boards and raised kerbs for easier access
We visited the local Heathland House Care Home, adjacent to the new layout, to gather feedback.
Jess, who works at the care home, said, “The new path has made walking and cycling to work a lot easier.
“In my spare time I also use the path to walk the dog. The wider distance between us and the road has made a huge difference to my feeling of safety.
“I am so grateful. It now makes me think twice when getting in my car to go to work or into Wimborne.”
Leonard (pictured) lives at Heathland House and is excited to use the access from Heathland. He showed us his new scooter, purchased to explore the area daily.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, Dorset Council, said: “Firstly, thank you to all residents and businesses in Ferndown for their patience during the work. This was a big project, but one that vastly improves the experience for anyone walking, cycling or wheeling along Wimborne Road.
“We have gone from narrow and often bumpy walkways to wide and level off-road access from Wimborne to Ferndown.
“With the large centre of employment at the Ferndown Industrial Estate and three schools nearby, this offers a safe and healthy option to get around.”
The improvements are the final part of the earlier new walking, cycling and wheeling routes along Wimborne Road East and Wimborne Road West Ferndown, completed in 2023. These were funded through the central government’s Transforming Cities Fund.
*The 2021 census shows around 5,000 people usually commuted locally to the industrial estate or schools, with 25 per cent travelling from less than 3 miles away and 60 per cent from 6 miles away or less.
