Hayes

Settlement in Dorset

England

Hayes

Northleigh Lane The bridge over the old Southampton &amp; Dorchester Railway on Northleigh Lane, saw its last passenger trains in 1964 and freight in 1974. — Northleigh Lane Credit: Peter Kazmierczak

Hayes is a small village located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated about 10 miles east of the county town of Dorchester, it falls within the West Dorset district. The village lies in a picturesque countryside setting, encompassed by rolling hills, lush green fields, and charming woodland areas.

Hayes has a rich history that dates back to at least the medieval period. The village is home to several ancient landmarks, including the Grade I listed St. Mary's Church, which is believed to have been built in the 13th century. The church's architecture showcases a blend of Norman and Gothic styles, and it remains a prominent feature of the village's landscape.

The village itself is quite small, with a population of approximately 500 residents. It exudes a peaceful and close-knit community atmosphere, providing a tranquil and idyllic living environment. The local economy primarily revolves around agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming activities.

Despite its size, Hayes offers several amenities and services to its residents. These include a village hall, a primary school, a post office, and a local pub, providing a central hub for social gatherings and community events.

The surrounding natural beauty makes Hayes an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The village is surrounded by scenic walking trails, offering opportunities for leisurely strolls and exploration of the countryside. Additionally, the nearby Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides further options for outdoor pursuits, such as hiking and cycling.

Overall, Hayes, Dorset, with its historic charm, tight-knit community, and natural beauty, offers a delightful countryside living experience for its residents and visitors alike.

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Hayes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.800396/-1.950411 or Grid Reference SU0300. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Northleigh Lane

The bridge over the old Southampton & Dorchester Railway on Northleigh Lane, saw its last passenger trains in 1964 and freight in 1974.

Peter Kazmierczak

Colehill Lane

Colehill Lane, near the entrance to St Michael's Middle School.

Peter Kazmierczak

From Railway to Trailway

This trailway was once part of the double-track mainline running from London Waterloo to Weymouth. Bicycles are now the only wheeled vehicles you'll see along here nowadays.

Peter Kazmierczak

Disused mainline

A wooden shed stands in the middle of the formation that was once the mainline railway between London Waterloo and Weymouth. A low embankment is all that remains to remind us of its past history.

Peter Kazmierczak

Woods by the A31, Ferndown

David Howard

The A31, Ferndown

David Howard

Lotus Elan on the Canford Bottom Roundabout

This set of multiple traffic lights has artificially created a constant bottleneck. There is a similar one along the A5 in Dunstable and only a few vehicles can get through each time they go green as the next set is still backed up. The number plate is Dutch in the old monochrome format and the car is left hand drive.

David Howard

The Canford Bottom Roundabout

David Howard

The Canford Bottom Roundabout

It's a series of traffic lights with a roundabout going round them. Guaranteed gridlock at all times.

David Howard

Old Milepost by Wimborne Road, Wimborne Minster

Cast iron post by the UC road, in parish of FERNDOWN TOWN (EAST DORSET District), Wimborne Road, East of bypass roundabout, by No. 210/212, by the road, on South side of road. Ringwood cast iron post (Trust), erected by the Ringwood, Longham & Leigh turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- : 2 / WIM- / BORNE : : RINGW'D / TRUST : : 7 / RING- / WOOD : Milestone Society National ID: DO_WBRW02.

J Tybjerg

Houses on Pilford Heath Rd

This part of Wimborne is very leafy and the large gardens often contain some of the large old pine trees that were here before the houses were built.

Nigel Mykura

Colehill: across Bytheway Field

Looking westward across this vast, lovely open space from near the Churchmoor Road entrance, on its eastern side. The information board proclaims it as "a great place for people and wildlife" and on an evening like this it was certainly very popular. I recall in the early 1980s, as a child, passing the house called Bytheway just along here, and initially thinking it was Welsh!

Chris Downer

Colehill: across the pond at Bytheway Field

The path rather splendidly goes across the northern corner of the wildlife pond in the centre of this fine open space, which has been established in relatively recent years. It is the first SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space) in East Dorset district, and includes a self-led orienteering course. It is very well used by dog walkers and equally people just fancying a stroll in the fresh air. One of the signboards proclaims Bytheway Field as "a great place for people and wildlife" which has a nice ring to it and is perhaps evidenced by the mallard taking her ducklings out for a swim, centre picture.

Chris Downer

Colehill: over the pond and into the sun

Looking along the path that crosses the pond within Bytheway Field, in the opposite direction to SU0200 : Colehill: across the pond at Bytheway Field. Bytheway Field is the first SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space) in East Dorset district, and includes a self-led orienteering course. It is very well used by dog walkers and equally people just fancying a stroll in the fresh air. One of the signboards proclaims Bytheway Field as "a great place for people and wildlife" which has a nice ring to it.

Chris Downer

Colehill: small footbridge in Bytheway Field

Ahead is the rather lovely wildlife pond. See SU0200 : Colehill: across the pond at Bytheway Field for more discussion on the Field.

Chris Downer

Colehill: eastern edge of Leigh Common

The Common features several paths - some gravelled and some, where necessary, elevated as a boardwalk - and is mainly woodland with a little open meadow.

Chris Downer

Colehill: boardwalk on Leigh Common

The Common features several paths - some gravelled and some, where necessary, elevated as a boardwalk - and is mainly woodland with a little open meadow. This boardwalk along the northern side of the common takes a rather splendidly meandering path.

Chris Downer