[1] The trailway is part of the former Southampton and Dorchester Railway line which ran from Brockenhurst to Hamworthy Junction via Ringwood.

This circuitous route was promoted in the 19th century by the Wimborne solicitor Charles Castleman, and was chosen because of the need to run through populated areas at a time when Bournemouth was a small village.

Cyclists at Wimborne are advised to use the newly built cycle track along Leigh Road between Canford Bottom Roundabout and the Willett Arms Pub at Merley.

This is because cyclists are forbidden by local landowners at Canford from using the "official" trailway footpath despite the fact that the railway through Wimborne cannot be walked or cycled because it has either been built upon or is private land.

Between Burbush & Brockenhurst makes up National Cycle Network route 2 and is completely off-road with the exception of the 1 mile stretch at Holmsley where cyclists have to share the road with cars going 40mph.