The Stour Valley Way

Trails along the River Stour in Dorset England.

Welcome to a celebration of the natural beauty of the River Stour that meanders through the Dorset countryside in England. The Stour Valley Way is a designated footpath that follows almost all of the 64 mile course of this magnificent river.

The River Stour rises at the lakes at Stour Head in Wiltshire but most of its course is within the boundaries of Dorset. This site concerns itself with walks and access to the lower reaches of the Stour around Christchurch, Mudeford and Bournemouth. On the left is a list of links to more detailed pages. Each link describes a different walk along this quintessentially English river.

A signpost on the way to Hengistbury Head along the Stour Valley way.

The River Stour is about 65 miles long. The Stour Valley Way now covers almost all of the river, with a few gaps and discontinuities which should do little to deter anyone who wants to explore the river. The final stretch of the Stour Valley Way actually follows the course of the twin rivers Stour and Avon. Ten thousand years ago these two rivers used to follow different routes to the sea with the Stour flowing out to the North of Hengistbury Head (following a course across Barn field at Hengistbury Head) and the River Avon following roughly the same route now taken by the twin rivers. Over many millennia the two rivers eroded the land that separated them and finally joined together just South-East of Christchurch Quay.

Especally around Tuckton, the paths are well laid and wheelchair access is possible. But beware the Carpark at Wick if you intend using a wheelchair. In places the gravel is too deep and the chair digs in. The gravel footpaths on the Stour Valley Way are better and the gravel is more campacted
	Some of the footpaths are suitable for wheelchairs

While the lower reaches of the River Stour is heavily populated with pleasure craft, the only commercial boats left on the river are a handful of fishing boats that moor up in the river but trade out of the nearby Mudeford Quay. It was not always like this. In Victorian times coal was shipped to Christchurch Quay and unloaded.The barges were then ballasted with Ironstone bolders (called Doggers) taken from nearby Hengistbury Head before they returned to Southampton. Quick Lime was produced on and around Hengistbury Head and then shipped inland up the Stour and Avon from landing stages and docks on the rivers edge or in the harbour.

The moorings at Quomps looking across to The Priory.

After the junction of the two rivers they meander down into Christchurch Harbour. The main river flow winds down past Hengistbury Head, then follows along Mudeford Sandpit and enters the sea through a narrow channel known as "The Run". The rivers are both tidal for the last few miles of the course. Christhcurch harbour is heavily dependant on the tide. It is normlly, even at high tide, a shallow harbour with boats with a draught of more than 3 feet having difficulty entering or leaving. Christchurch harbour is known as a "Rhia" which essentially means it is a drowned river mouth. The run, which is the exit for the river can flow out at an alarming rate when the tide has turned. It can easily defeat even motor craft trying to enter the harbour.

Not all of the river is open to boats. As you go further inland the tidal aspect of the river declines. Low bridges hinder sailing craft so few (if any) are found beyond Tuckton Bridge. Motor vessels can go up to Iford Bridge but that seems to be the limit of navigability. Further up stream, about 2 miles beyond Iford Bridge, there is as set of rapids where the river shoals over rocks. Certainly no boats would go beyond this!

With a good pair of stout boots the Stour valley Way is accessible almost all through the year. Obviously during periods of heavy rain the path becomes water-logged and dangerous. It is always worth-while to be aware that the river can and does regularly flood over its flood plain (which of course includes the footpath) During normal weather it is usually completely safe but during periods of heavy rain, when flooding is likely to occur, the path is best avoided. Also be aware that there is usually a time-lag between heavy rain and the river swelling.

The rapids about two miles upstream of Iford Bridge.

As you go beyond Iford Bridge the Stour Valley Way becomes less crowded and except for the odd fisherman (or golfer!) fewer people venture further inland. The same could be said for the stretch between Wick Ferry and the Double Dykes at Hengistbury Head. The rough path discourages many but is well worth the small effort.

The river lasily winds its way through the countryside. Its speed varies dramatically from one point to another. At one point it is fast flowing over rocks and a few hundred meters further along it is slow enough for Water Lilies to grow. Everywhere is the lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. Swans nest on the river and the river supports many rare and endangered species. The river also forms the perfect backdrop for other sports as well as sailing and boating. A large Golf course sit ajacent to the river near River Side Avenue. .

A view down river about a mile up from Iford Bridge..