Once again it’s that time of your to shake off the excesses of Christmas and think about a healthier new year. This new year trip of the month is a walk along the seafront from Bournemouth to Southbourne. The walk starts from Bournemouth station and ends at Christchurch station. I did the walk on 27 December 25 and it was a clear day with brilliant blue skies.
This is not a strenuous walk but at 7 miles it is quite a long walk. Please see the preparation information at the bottom of the page. I did the walk in two and half hours at a brisk pace and with only short stops. You might want to allow longer to take in a refreshment stop or two.
For the trip you will need a day return ticket to Bournemouth. Trains are every hour and are direct from Sway. The walk follows the thin red line on the map below.
Leave the station by the exit on platform 3 and turn left. Cross Holdenhurst Road into St. Swithun’s Road and follow this road down to St. Swithun’s roundabout. Cross the roundabout into Gervis Road and turn left into Manor Road. Manor Road soon takes a right turn which takes you to East Overcliff Drive. Turn left at the end of Manor Road onto East Overcliff Drive.
Follow East Overcliff Drive until it turns away from the sea to the left. At this point take the path on your right instead.
You may see goats on any part of the cliffs. Continue along the path and through the gardens to Boscombe pier.
Follow the footpath along the sea front, passed the harvester and the lifeguard station, towards Southbourne. There are several rest facilities along this section of the walk and also places for refreshments.
Continue along the sea shore by the golden sands.
I eventually spotted the goats on the cliffs along this section keeping the vegetation under control.
When I did the walk the funicular was closed and may be until the spring.
Continue walking passed Southbourne (Sobo Beach) until the path eventually runs out (with Hengistbury Head in front you). Here there is a set of steps on your left. Go up the steps.
Turn right and walk up Southbourne Coast Road. Hengistbury Head will be on your right.
Admire the grand house with their wonderful views and lement the fact that, like me, you don’t have enough money to buy one.
When you reach St. Nicholas Church follow the road around to the left.
Stay on this road until you reach the T junction. At the T junction turn right into Belle Vue Road.
Continue up to the roundabout and cross the roundabout. Tuckton Bridge is in front of you. Take a short detour down to the River Stour as you approach Tuckton Bridge. There is a good view over the river from hear towards Christchurch Priory. There is also a cafe here which has rest facilities.
Walk back up to the road, turn right and cross Tuckton Bridge. Cross the roundabout and walk up Stour Road.
You can take a diversion along Stour Road into Willow Road and walk into Christchurch town centre but this will add quite a lot onto the walk.
Otherwise, continue on Stour Road until you reach the Barrack Road crossroads. Cross Barrack Road to continue on Stour Road.
Turn left into Station Road and Christchurch station is right in front of you.
Preparation
Although not a strenuous walk, this is 7 miles. Please be sure that you are capable of a walk of this distance. If you prefer to do a shorter walk then you can always turn around at any point on the walk and retrace your steps.
The walk is all on a solid surface and suitable for any time of year. Regular footwear should be suitable. However, please have some extra layers of warm clothing available.
There are several places on the walk where rest facilities can be found and where refreshment can be bought.
If you’re not familiar with the area and manage to get lost then please use Google maps on your phone to help you get back to Bournemouth, Pokesdown or Christchurch station, whichever is nearest.