Christchurch Coach Walk - Long Walk

The Long Walk is 10.8 miles in length and starts at Bournemouth Pier, grid reference SZ089907. From here we head east, following the coastline along Overcliff Drive, with extensive views across Poole Bay, before coming down to sea-level again at Boscombe Pier. We then return to the cliff-top for a while, passing through Boscombe Cliff Gardens on our way, before eventually descending to Boscombe Promenade via Gordon’s Zigzag and continuing along the shoreline below Southbourne until we reach Hengistbury Head. After ascending Warren Hill, we continue to the far end of the headland, before coming back east along the southern shore of Christchurch Harbour and following the Stour Valley Way to Tuckton Bridge. Here we cross the Stour and walk into Christchurch across the Quomps. We pass the Priory and the Castle, and then cross the River Avon as we head for the Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, where the coach will be waiting for us. Much of the route is on firm paths, though there could be occasional muddy stretches. There are short ascents immediately after each of the piers, and another gradual ascent to the top of Warren Hill (123 feet high), but overall there isn’t much variation in height.