Christchurch Coach Walk

Overview

Christchurch lies at the confluence of the rivers Avon and Stour, which flow through Christchurch Harbour and out into the sea at Mudeford. Indeed, the town was originally known as Twynham (the settlement between two rivers). Overlooking the harbour is the Priory, which had its origins in 1094 and was existing as a basic Norman church by 1150. Further building over the years increased its length and height, so that it became one of the longest parish churches in the country and as large as many cathedrals. Owing to the legend of the miraculous beam, the town eventually changed its name from Twynham to Christchurch, the story being that during the construction of the priory a crucial beam was found to have been cut too short when it was hoisted into place. This would have been embarrassing for the carpenters as the wood was expensive and would be difficult to replace, but when they returned to work the following day, they discovered that the short beam was now miraculously the right length and had been fitted in place. One of the carpenters had always kept himself to himself and was unknown to the others, and when he failed to reappear after the beam had been successfully installed, it was rumoured that Jesus Christ had intervened. Hence the church became Christ’s Church of Twynham to commemorate the event, and in time the town’s name was first lengthened to Twynham-Christchurch and then shortened to just Christchurch. Whatever the truth of the matter, it’s a good story!

Near the Priory are the remains of the Castle, consisting of a typical 12th century motte-and-bailey castle and a chamber block now known as the Norman House. The castle fell into ruin in the 17th century after the English Civil War.

Below the Priory is the quay, which includes a flat open grassy space known as the Quomps.

Hengistbury Head is a headland jutting out into the English Channel on the south side of Christchurch Harbour. It is an important archaeological site and nature reserve, with beautiful views west to the Isle of Purbeck, east to the Isle of Wight, and north across Mudeford Spit and the harbour to the town of Christchurch.

Short Walk

The Short Walk is 6 miles in length and starts near the Solent Beach car park on Southbourne Coast Road, grid reference SZ154910. From here we follow the path up to the top of Warren Hill and on to the far end of Hengistbury Head. We then come back east along the southern shore of Christchurch Harbour and follow 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. Apart from a gradual ascent to the top of Warren Hill (123 feet high), there is very little variation in height.

Medium Walk

The Medium Walk is 8 miles in length. It starts at the entrance to Fisherman’s Walk between Boscombe and Southbourne, grid reference SZ129919. This takes us down to the cliff path at Boscombe Overcliff Drive. From here we follow the coast eastwards until 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. Apart from a gradual ascent to the top of Warren Hill (123 feet high), there is very little variation in height.

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.