The Avon Valley path

The Avon Valley path is a 34 mile, long distance route that takes walkers from the cathedral city of Salisbury to Christchurch Priory and the sea. The route follows the course of the River Avon.

The Stour Valley Way

The Stour Valley Way is a 64 mile walk that follows the River Stour from its source at Stourhead, to the point where it flows into the sea from Christchurch Harbour.

The route is way-marked with a kingfisher logo - but we suggest you take along the appropriate map to help you navigate:

• Ordnance Survey Explorer OL22 (New Forest)
• Ordnance Survey Explorer 118 (Shaftsbury and Cranborne Chase)
• Ordnance Survey Explorer 117 (Cerne Abbas and Bere Regis)
• Ordnance Survey Explorer 129 (Yeovil and Sherborne)
• Ordnance Survey Explorer 142 (Shepton Mallet and Mendip Hills East)

Due to the proximity to the river, this route can become waterlogged during the winter months.

The Stour Valley Way: Walks along the River Stour in Dorset.

Christchurch Millennium Trail

This trail around the town centre of Christchurch takes walkers to sites of historical interest from the Neolithic times to the 20th century. Evidence of past human activity still remains at some sites. The route aims to record and preserve some of the otherwise lost and forgotten past of Christchurch.

Maps of the route can be purchased from Christchurch Information Centre.

Mude Valley Greenway

Greenways are traffic-free, off road routes that link facilities, open spaces and countryside around towns. They can be used on foot, bike, or horseback.

The Mude Valley Greenway follows part of the National Cycle Network Route 2, talking walkers and cyclists from the sea at Mudeford Quay, through Mudeford and onto Somerford Bridge by Sainsbury's superstore. The route offers views of Christchurch Harbour, and passes through a variety of other natural habitats.

The route is signed by a pale green disc with a dark green 'G' in the centre.

Guided tours and trails

Several guided walks take place every year in Christchurch. They range from countryside walks on Stanpit Marsh to story walks around old Christchurch.

The Visit Christchurch website has more information.

Health walks take place regularly throughout the year. The walks are gently paced and run by qualified walk leaders.