Christchurch Priory – Mudeford Quay loop from Mudeford

Hiking trails & Routes

Highcliffe And Walkford

Christchurch Priory – Mudeford Quay loop from Mudeford

Moderate

hikers

Christchurch Priory – Mudeford Quay loop from Mudeford

02:57

11.6km

20m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The route includes a crossing by ferry. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 15, 2026

This route includes a ferry crossing

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 7.99 km for 450 m

Open: • April-October: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM • November-March, Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM (otherwise closed)

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.24 km

Christchurch Priory

Highlight • Religious Site

At 311 feet (91 m) long, Christchurch Priory is an unusually long parish church and is longer than plenty of cathedrals. It’s mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 but sits on the site of an even earlier church.

Legend has it that the priory was supposed to be built on nearby St. Catherine’s Hill but during the night, the building materials were spirited to its current location. It sounds more like the builders couldn’t be bothered to haul everything up a hill for the duration of construction. It also has a miraculous beam said to have been hoisted by Jesus Christ himself.

Sitting at the end of Christchurch high street just before the harbour, the priory is open every day except for Christmas and is fairly magnificent both inside and out.

Tip by

4.24 km

Christchurch Harbour Riverside Path

Highlight • Viewpoint

A footpath along the banks of the River Stour will grant you some lovely vistas of parked up boats and views across the water to Christchurch.

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5.97 km

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Highlight • Natural Monument

quiet alternative to the busy cafe with a nice wildlife garden to enjoy a coffee

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6.71 km

View of Christchurch Harbour and The Priory

Highlight • River

Views of Christchurch harbour and The Priory.

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7.00 km

Beach

7.31 km

Northern Shore of Hengistbury Head

Highlight • Beach

Gorgeous section of walking along the northern shores of Hengistbury Head in Bournemouth with sensational views looking out to Christchurch Harbour.

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7.86 km

Beach House Café, Mudeford Sandspit

Highlight • Cafe

Ice cream and snacks, behind it is a fish stand. Here you can really have a good time and just watch out for the cheeky seagulls!

Translated by Google •

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7.93 km

Mudeford Ferry to Mudeford Quay

Highlight • Rest Area

The Mudeford Ferry operates between Mudeford Quay and the Beach at Mudeford Sandbank approximately every 15 minutes.
It operates at Weekends and School Hoildays in the Winter months provided there is a favourable forecast, the sun is shining and the wind strength is reasonable.
It is a cash only service.
Mudeford Sandbank and Beach is the relatively unspoilt strip of land adjoining Hengistbury Head. On one side is the sea and on the other Christchurch Harbour. Picturesque beach huts bask in the sun, flanked by unspoilt beach. Choose to sit and watch the yachts in the harbour, the waves gently rolling in from the sea or visit the site of the ancient ironworks on Hengisbury Head.
Adult £3.50
Child 3 to 12 Years £1.50
Babies Under 3 Years Free
Cats, Dogs and Parrots Free
Adult Bike£1.50
Child Bike £0.50
Excess Baggage £1.00
4 Wheel Trolley £1.00
Sailboard & Kitchen Sink £1.00
Cash back is available from the Beach House on Mudeford Sandbank when you spend £5 or more and from The Haven House Cafe on Mudeford Quay

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8.46 km

Mudeford Quay

Highlight • Rest Area

Picturesque place with a huge (expensive!) parking lot and various beach cafes. You can board 2 different ferries, the longer journey goes to Christchurch

Translated by Google •

Tip by

11.6 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types