SOUTH WEST
■Distance: 8½ miles/13.5km ■Time: 4½-5 hours ■Grade: Moderate
A five-minute train ride links Hinton Admiral and Christchurch stations, the start and end points of this walk.
It’s a varied, scenic route, taking in fine coastline, great views from Hengistbury Head and a section of the Stour Valley Way across nature reserve meadows.
It involves two ferry crossings: from Mudeford Quay to Mudeford Spit, and across the River Stour.
Mudeford Ferry has been out of action, but should be running again this summer. Check website for updates.
1 Start
From station (platform 2 side) follow Station Road up to road, turn L for a few paces to bridge and cross road to steps down by railway on L (if other access road from station used, turn R to cross bridge).
Follow path through trees, bearing R at fence corner to residential road.
Turn L to T-junction, then R, passing church.
2 ¾ mile/1.2km
Turn R along Pinewood Close, keeping ahead where road bends R to end of cul-desac and continuing along footpath across Chewton Common.
At road turn L then R to continue on path to another road.
Turn R, keeping ahead across main road and carry on to Highcliffe Top car park and Cliffhanger café.
ROUTE
Start/parking Hinton Admiral station BH23 7DW, grid ref SZ203948. Car parks there and at Christchurch station Is it for me?
Mostly level, one short climb.
Surfaced paths/tracks except through woodland and on sand.
Check Mudeford Ferry is running. Stiles None
PLANNING
Nearest town Christchurch Refreshments Lots Public toilets Highcliffe, Friars Cliff Beach, Hengistbury Head, Christchurch Public transport Trains London-Weymouth.
Ferries daily Apr-Oct, weekends in winter.
Mudeford Ferry (07968 334441, mudeford ferry.co.uk);
Wick Ferry (bournemouthboating. co.uk) Maps OS Explorer OL22; Landranger 195
3 1⅔ miles/2.7km
Bear L and head down via steps to coast at S end of Chewton Bunny Nature Reserve. Turn R and follow track alongside beach. Whe
