Skip to content
White Mill on the River Stour, on the Kingston Lacy estate, Dorset
White Mill on the River Stour | © National Trust Images/Alasdair Ogilvie
Dorset

Walk at White Mill and Shapwick

A moderate walk through the water meadows by the River Stour, with short distances on country lanes and along gravel tracks. You'll start at an 18th-century mill and go along an unspoilt stretch of the River Stour with much bird life. You'll then pass through the picturesque village of Shapwick and return to White Mill.

Dogs not allowed

Please note, due to livestock grazing unfortunately dogs are not allowed on this walk.

Total steps: 7

Total steps: 7

Start point

Car park opposite White Mill; grid ref: ST958007

Step 1

Leave the car park at White Mill and turn right at the signpost for Shapwick and Tarrant Crawford. The permissive path, part of The Stour Valley Way, is clearly marked on the opposite side of the road.

Step 2

Follow the riverside walk along the Stour. It meanders over rough pasture and arable headlands for approximately 2.5 miles (4km). Squeeze stiles at fence lines indicate the route to be taken.

Step 3

Having arrived at St Bartholomew’s Church on the edge of the village of Shapwick, follow the footpath signs to the cross at the centre of the village. The Anchor Inn at Shapwick Cross provides an ideal spot for refreshments if required.

Step 4

To continue the walk proceed straight up the Shapwick High Street until a junction with Park Lane is encountered on the right, opposite Priory House.

Step 5

Turn right here and you will almost immediately pass the Higher Dairy part of Crab Farm.

Step 6

Turn right down the bridleway, known as Half Mile Drove, before New Barn Farm. This track leads to the White Mill and Shapwick.

Step 7

Turning left at the bottom, return with care along the road to your start point.

End point

Car park opposite White Mill; grid ref: ST958007

Trail map

Map showing route for the Kingston Lacy White Mill and Shapwick walk
White Mill and Shapwick walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Visitors at the Badbury Rings at Kingston Lacy, Dorset
Trail
Trail

Walk at Badbury Rings and The Oaks 

Enjoy impressive views across the Dorset countryside on this circular walk, while discovering the history, flora and fauna of the Iron Age hillfort of Badbury Rings.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)
View of Pamphill across the River Stour, on the Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset
Trail
Trail

Walk at Eye Bridge and Pamphill, Kingston Lacy 

Enjoy a peaceful walk upstream along this picturesque stretch of the Stour river, with ancient woodland and an array of interesting birdlife to observe along the way.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.4 (km: 5.44)
View of Beech Avenue from the Droves at Kingston Lacy in autumn
Trail
Trail

Walk at the Beech Avenue and Droves, Kingston Lacy 

Walk around the network of droves and along the tree-lined Beech Avenue at Kingston Lacy. This circular trail takes you back along the outskirts of the Kingston Lacy parkland.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)

Get in touch

Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

A stone obelisk behind red leaves with sunlight shining through
Article
Article

Discover the garden at Kingston Lacy 

Relax and wander the gardens to enjoy seasonal interest at any time of year, with plenty of space for children to run, skip and play, and spaces to stop along the way.

Visitor with therapy dog from the group Caring Canines at Kingston Lacy, Dorset
Article
Article

Visiting Kingston Lacy with your dog 

Enjoy nature and fresh air on woodland walks across the Kingston Lacy estate in Dorset, and find out all you need to know about visiting with your four-legged friend.

A child eating a gingerbread man in a cafe
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Kingston Lacy 

Sample the delicious menu at the Stables Café or visit the National Trust shop to browse a wide range of gifts, souvenirs and local produce. There's also a second-hand book store stocking a huge selection of titles, old and new.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

Looking over a drystone wall and across a grassy clifftop, two people look out to sea from behind a wooden fence

Walking in Dorset 

From strolls along the coastline by the sea to spectacular views over three counties at the top of Hambledon Hill, these are some of the best walks in Dorset this winter season.