Milford-on-Sea to Christchurch

The walk: From Milford-on-Sea, this walk goes West along the coast to Mudeford Quay. Rather than stay on the clifftop path, I walked along the beach, except between Barton-on-Sea and Naish Beach, where a landslip forces an inland excursion. From Mudeford Quay, I took the ferry to Mudeford Sandbank, and then a second ferry to Tuckton in Christchurch. In the interval between the two ferries, I had time to walk onto and around Hengistbury Head.

Map

NB The map shows my GPS track, with various diversions and excursions which you may not wish to follow precisely.

Why do it: This stretch of coast doesn't seem to be particularly well known for walking. Perhaps it is overlooked because it is rather difficult to reach, and is overshadowed by the more dramatic scenery on the Isles of Wight and Purbeck. But it is very enjoyable and impressive, nevertheless, especially seeing the cliffs from the beach, where you are not aware of the extensive urbanisation above. Highcliffe Castle is probably worth visiting, though I haven't myself. Mudeford is a quite upmarket resort/suburb. Mudeford Sandbank has great views over the Solent, and is home to half-million pound beach huts. Hengistbury Head has views, pre-history and geology. The two ferry rides provide a tour of picturesque Christchurch Harbour. Christchurch is worth exploring if you have the time and energy.

Distance: 11.5 miles walking (ie excluding ferry)

Logistics: I started the walk from the car park at Paddy's Gap (charge) on the coast at the eastern end of Milford-on-Sea. I finished at the ferry landing stage next to the Tuckton road bridge over the River Stour. To get back to my parked car, I took a bus to Christchurch Station (you could walk it), train to New Milton, then bus (X1) to Paddy's Gap.

Challenges: As with so many other parts of the coast I have visited on my walks, cliff erosion is a problem, so exercise common sense and satay away from the cliff edge and base, and take note of the latest latest warning signs (of which I saw many).

If walking the beach, it is quite shingly and heavy going. Low tide is best, since a firmer sandy surface is exposed in places which is easier to walk on than the shingle higher up. Also at some 'pinch points' the beach might be covered entirely at high tide, for example a couple of headlands prior to reaching Barton-on-Sea. In any event, there are a few places where it is necessary to scramble over rocks, but these are not difficult.

Just beyond Barton, there has been a landslip which bars progress along the beach. It is hence necessary to follow an inland diversion around the Naish Holiday Park returning to the beach down Chewton Bunny, a pleasant wooded valley. From there, there is a rough track at the head of the beach, passing Highcliffe Castle and Steamer Point eventually becoming a sea wall/esplanade near Mudeford Quay.

Check times online for the Mudeford Quay -Mudeford Sandbank and Mudeford Sandbank - Tuckton ferries.

Refreshments: Plenty of cafes etc at Barton, Highcliffe Beach ('Cliffhangar'), Mudeford, Mudeford Sandbank and Tuckton ( a tea room next to the ferry landing if you get there in time)

Nearby Walks

To the West, Swanage to Shell Bay

To the East, Milford-on-Sea to Lymington

Also, Cycle Ride: which includes Bournemouth sea front as part of a circular ride including the traffic-free Castleman Trailway and Poole Harbour.

Photos