Loders to
Bradpole Greenway
Connecting Loders to Bradpole with an off road, walking, wheeling, cycling and horse-riding route
A safe alternative to the road
What's stopping more adults and children from walking, wheeling and cycling between Loders and Bradpole?
The narrow road between Loders and Bradpole has a 60mph speed limit, no pavement, a steep hill and blind bends. More people would walk, wheel (use a wheelchair or mobility scooter) or cycle if there was a safe, alternative to the road.
1 kilometre of the old railway line, which once ran between Westbay to Loders, provides a unique opportunity for a flat, direct, traffic free route between Loders and Bradpole with significant heritage value. From Bradpole there are already non-road routes connecting to Bridport and onto Westbay.
A safe, healthy journey to school
20 years ago most children walked or cycled to school. Today only 1 in 5 boys and 1 in 6 girls get enough daily exercise.
Although only 1.8 miles away, Dorset Council offers a bus to Colfox Secondary School, because of the unsafe road between Loders and Bradpole. Loders Primary School depends on students from outside Loders and Uploders. A safe, direct, off-road route will provide an alternative to driving, boost enrolment and let pupils & staff walk, wheel or cycle instead. A thriving school is an integral part of village life for Loders and Uploders and helps retain a mix of all age groups in the villages.
Walking, wheeling or cycling to school builds confidence, encourages independence and provides social and health benefits. Pupils arrive at school more alert and have better concentration as well as feeling more connected to their community, with a better understanding of the local area.
Benefiting the community and supporting local businesses
71% of journeys are shorter than 5 miles however 69% of journeys between 1 and 5 miles are made by car or van!
A traffic free route will benefit Loders and Uploders residents travelling to schools in Bridport, to work, local shops, entertainment and employment as well as visiting family and friends.
It will also provide a safe, environmentally friendly and healthy way for neighbouring communities to access Loders Primary School, the village pubs, other businesses, family and friends. In addition, it will also provide wheelchair friendly, inclusive access to the beautiful countryside in and around Loders and Uploders.
Improved physical and mental health
Walking, wheeling, and cycling are great ways to add physical activity to your daily routine, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. This can help prevent and manage more than 20 chronic conditions and diseases, including certain cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. It’s also associated with broader health benefits like a lower risk of injury, better quality of life, improved productivity, and fewer days missed at work.
In addition to physical health, walking, wheeling, and cycling have proven mental health benefits. Even brief bouts of physical activity can significantly boost mental alertness, energy, and mood. Engaging in regular activity can also enhance self-esteem and help manage symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Connected and inclusive
Only one bus a week directly connects Loders and Uploders to Bridport. This limited service, and no safe active travel route, leaves many residents with few realistic transport options other than driving and isolates those who do not drive.
A safe, direct, traffic free route would provide a lifeline for those without access to a car. For many people, running a vehicle is simply unaffordable, increasing the risk of social isolation and marginalisation. Others, especially in low-income households, are forced into car ownership due to the lack of alternatives, taking on a financial burden they can barely manage. After housing, transport is the biggest household expense for rural families, contributing significantly to poverty.
Active travel offers a fairer, more affordable solution. Walking and wheeling cost nothing, and cycling remains one of the most economical modes of transport—accessible to people across a range of incomes.
Fighting climate change
Climate change is accelerating, bringing more heatwaves, floods, and rising sea levels. As a rural, coastal area, we face serious risks, from coastal erosion and storm damage to disrupted farming and food production.
Tackling the climate emergency is essential, for our health, our planet, and future generations. While the challenge is global, many solutions start locally.
Walking, wheeling, and cycling is one of the simplest ways to cut carbon. Swapping short car journeys for zero-emission alternatives reduces greenhouse gases, eases congestion, and cuts air pollution. To fight climate change effectively, we must make active travel a practical, everyday transport choice.
