The paths and trails from Tuckton Bridge up to Hurn are the most unspoilt and least used of the trails around this area.
If you like less crowded areas than say, Tuckton to Wick ferry, then you will probably like the path from Riverside Avenue up to the Golf Course.
There is parking along the road directly opposite Tesco's. A modern single bar steel access gate marks the beginning of the gravel path down to the river.
Bear left to let it take you onto the path going upstream. Alternatively turn right for a short walk to Iford
The path to the river is about 200 meters long. It gets better the further you go along it..
The river meanders through the lush countryside and changes speed as it goes. In some place the river is so sedentary that water
lillies grow along the edge.
Water lillies in the river
The path leads around the bending river. Every turn offers a new surprise and another facet on this beautiful river.
In places, the opposite bank has well kept private gardens accessing down to the rivers edge but generally the footpath on this side of the river is through the rough along the river bank.
Very occasionally it will take you away from the bank, but even then the path will offer some surprises with old knarled trees and views over the golf course.
A bend in the river leading you on to another surpise further upstream.
The river has a number of shallows often with small gravel islands in the middle of the stream .
This leads to areas of fast water surrounded by backwaters that have virtually no motion.
Looking up the river after the bend you can see the rapids ahead
Here the river has a higher gradient and forms a short set of rapids over boulders.
A complete contrast to the flow of the river just a few hundred yards in either direction
The white water speaks of the speed of the flowing water, and to its shallowness at this point.
This is the absolute limit of navigation, although even a small craft would have some difficulties getting to here.
The Rapids on the River Stour.
Up beyond the short set of rapids the river is more tranquil.
This area of the river has few visitors except for the odd fisherman,
camped on the bank and for golfers using the course.
Further upstream the river is slower. Trees overhang the riverbank and their branches dip into the idle water.
Trees overhanging the river.
The river supports a huge variety of wildlife and many birds nest along its banks and on the small islands in the stream of the river.
The small islands that form in the stream of the river make ideal nesting areas for birds including swans.
This swan was viewed through a small gap in the hadging at this point. Needless to say you should always
leave the wildlife as undisturbed as possible.
A swan on her nest.
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One of the large Oaks along the path.
Looking downstream the river meanders on its way to the sea
Looking down river.
Upstream the Wessex Way (A338) bridges the Stour.
Beyond that the Stour curls its way up through Holdenhurst Village and past Thoop Mill.
A final view upstream. This area of the river is so scenic it is difficult to
choose between which photos do it justice. Notice the well kept lawn on the opposite bank amongst the trees.
