Christchurch is one of Dorset’s best destinations for walking, with an extensive network of riverside paths, coastal trails and nature reserve footpaths linking many of the area’s most popular attractions. From the peaceful banks of the River Stour and Christchurch Harbour to the dramatic scenery of Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Sandbank, there are walks to suit all ages and abilities.
Most routes are relatively flat and easy to follow, making Christchurch an excellent destination for families and leisurely walkers. Many can also be combined with boat trips or the Wick Ferry to create enjoyable circular routes, while frequent bus services make longer one-way walks easy to complete.
Here are some of the best walks in and around Christchurch.
Christchurch Harbour Circular Walk
Distance: Approximately 7.3 miles (11.8 km)
Walking time: 2 hours 50 minutes
GPS Map (external link): https://www.outdooractive.com/
Description
Christchurch Quay – Place Mill – Convent Walk – Norman House – Stanpit Marsh – Mudeford Quay – Mudeford Ferry – Mudeford Sandbank – Hengistbury Head – Hengistbury Head Visitors Centre – Stour Valley Way – Wick Ferry (optional crossing cuts 20 minutes off the walk) – Tuckton Bridge – Christchurch Quay
Refreshments are available at Christchurch Quay, Mudeford Quay, Mudeford Sandbank, Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre and Hengistbury Head Hiker Café.
Return Options: Circular walk so no return options but it should be noted the walk can be done in the opposite direction or the start/finish point can be anywhere along the route. If tired half way through the walk there is the option to return my the ferry running between Mudeford Sandbank and Christchurch Quay. You could also return by Wick Ferry is running which shortens the walk by about 20 minutes.
Christchurch Quay to Mudeford Quay Walk
Distance: Approximately 3.3 miles (5.3 km)
Walking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
GPS Map (external link): https://www.outdooractive.com/
Description
Christchurch Quay – Place Mill – Convent Walk – Norman House – Stanpit Marsh – Mudeford Quay – Mudeford Ferry
Return Options:
- Return by same route.
- Mudeford Ferry to Mudeford Sandbank and then Ferry to Christchurch Quay (Bournemouth Boating)
- Walk to the nearest bus stop at Chichester Way (Google map) which is 5 mounts from the Quay and return to Christchurch on the Beach Breezer 70 bus or the 1C to Christchurch High Street
- Continue walking to Highcliffe Castle via (see walk below)
Christchurch Quay to Highcliffe Castle Walk
Distance: Approximately 5.5 miles (8.8 km)
Walking time: 2 hours 10 minutes
GPS Map (external link): https://www.outdooractive.com/
Description
Christchurch Quay – Place Mill – Convent Walk – Norman House – Stanpit Marsh – Mudeford Quay – Avon Beach – Steamer Point Nature Reserve – Friars Cliff Beach – Highcliffe Castle
Return Options:
Return from nearest bus stop at the Oaks (Google map) and take the New Forest Breezer 81 or 82 service back to Christchurch Hight Street.
Stanpit Marsh Circular Walk
Distance: Approximately 1.6 miles (2.5 km)
Walking time: 35 minutes
GPS Map (external link): https://www.outdooractive.com/
Description
Start at Stanpit Marsh Car Park (Google map) with an easy circular walk of Stanpit Marsh Local Nature Reserve including the Iron Boat, River Stour riverside, Bailey Bridge Prototype and the Visitors Centre. Famous for its wild horses roaming free.
Acces Options:
Car to the Stanpit Marsh Car Park which is 1.3 miles (6 minutes drive from Christchurch Quay Car Park) or a 28 minute walk. There is a bus stop just outside the entrance to the car park which is served by the Beach Breezer 70 bus service.
Christchurch Quay to Bournemouth Pier Walk
Distance: Approximately 6.4 miles (10.2 km)
Walking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
GPS Map (external link): https://www.outdooractive.com/
Description
Christchurch Quay – Wick Ferry (optional crossing cuts 20 minutes off the walk) – Tuckton Bridge – Stour Valley Way – Hengistbury Head Hiker Cafe – Southbourne Beach – Fishermans Walk Beach – Boscombe Beach – Boscombe Pier – Bournemouth Beach – Bournemouth Pier
Return Options:
Return by bus on the Beach Breezer 70 (seasonal) to Christchurch High Street or the 1a or 1c from Westover Road to Christchurch High Street