The Frome Valley with its meadows, pastures and fields, has been shaped by millennia of farming and food production. The Trail follows the historic footsteps of the valley’s farmers taking their produce to Dorchester’s market. Along the way, clues of the rich farming past are highlighted in the new Trail leaflet.

Water meadows are just one example of what you can see along the route – a farming innovation in the seventeenth century. The spring-fed river water and its steady temperature warmed the soil to encourage abundant grass growth for feeding sheep in the lean months of March and April. Impressively large flocks of sheep were noted by contemporary writers feeding on this lush ‘early bite’.

The wealth of food produced in the valley undoubtedly helped build the historic Charter Market in Dorchester dates back to 1305 and still thrives today.

Tom Munro, Dorset National Landscape Manager explains why the Trail has been created:

“We chose the Frome Valley for this Food Trail as it’s a gentle route that all sorts of people can enjoy. You don’t need to be a keen cyclist or have a high-tech bike to enjoy this gentle, family-friendly journey through some lovely Dorset countryside.

Rather than focusing on places to buy food, we wanted to share the food story of the landscape as whole. The Frome Valley has kept people nourished and in employment for centuries, and still does today.”

The Valley to Market Trail has been funded by the UK Government through Dorset Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund. The Trail encourages people to explore some of the lesser-known outstanding countryside of Dorset.

• The Valley to Market Trail follows the National Cycle Network (NCN) route 26, between Maiden Newton and Dorchester, a distance of 8.5 miles.
• The route follows a combination of quiet roads, private roads, farm tracks and cycle/footpaths adjacent to larger roads. It is paved for its entire length with the occasional self-closing gate and cattle grid; you won’t need specialist bikes.
• While on the route, follow the pink Dorset Food Trail markers (and NCN26 signs). You could download a more detailed map here or follow this googlemap route
• Walkers may choose to follow this or the Frome Valley Trail, which overlaps for much of the route though can get flooded. OS Explorer Map 117 covers it all.
• It’s mostly gently undulating, but there are a few very short, sharper hills. There’s no shame in getting off your bike to push!

Start your ride in Maiden Newton or Dorchester, which can both be accessed by train or by car.

If using the train, this Google map link directs you from Dorchester West station to the start of the waymarked trail; or this link from Dorchester South station to the start of the waymarked trail

Use the town car parks in Dorchester or the Rock Pit walkers’ car park in Maiden Newton.

Click here for a more detailed map of the Maiden Newton end of the route

Click here for a more detailed map of the Dorchester end of the route

For further public transport information, including route planner, visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk

Before you set off, checking opening times of food & drink places if you want to pick up a picnic or stop for refreshments.

Maiden Newton

• Visit the Maiden Newton village website for information on local shops,  places to eat and other services.

Dorchester Markets

• The Wednesday Charter Market in Dorchester runs throughout the year it features traders selling a variety of goods including fresh produce, quality meats, clothing, plants, and hot food. discoverdorchester.co.uk/place/dorchester-market/
• The Cornhill Market on South Street, in the heart of the town operates daily from Mon – Saturday.
• The Artisan Market is a new addition to Dorchester’s market scene and takes place on the fourth Sunday of each month from April through to November selling artisanal food and street food as well as art and crafts. discoverdorchester.co.uk/place/the-dorchester-artisan-market/

Dorset Food & Drink

• Check out the Dorset Food & Drink directory to take your pick of the great tastes that Dorchester has to offer!