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Hiking trails & Routes

Hengistbury Head Beach Huts – Hengistbury Head loop from Mudeford

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Hengistbury Head Beach Huts – Hengistbury Head loop from Mudeford

Moderate

4.8

(23)

106

hikers

Hengistbury Head Beach Huts – Hengistbury Head loop from Mudeford

03:52

15.2km

40m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The route includes a crossing by ferry. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: March 27, 2026

This route includes a ferry crossing

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 1.85 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

Parking

Get Directions

1.83 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

2.37 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

Tip by

2.85 km

Hengistbury Head Beach Huts

Highlight • Settlement

The Hengistbury Head beach huts occupy a rather enviable position on the peninsula's stunning, sandy beach. Looking out to the Isle of Wight, you could just imagine spending a whole summer here with your feet up.

For those of us not in possession of a beach hut, they are still a vision of English seaside postcards. Brightly coloured and mostly well cared for, they make a very photogenic scene at any time of year.

Tip by

2.88 km

Mudeford Sandspit Lagoon and Holloway's Dock

Highlight • Natural Monument

A unique and beautiful sand spit which adjoins the ancient headland of Hengistbury Head and forms a natural barrier between Christchurch Harbour and the open sea. The area is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.
Access by foot, bike or land train from Hengistbury Head car park. Access by passenger ferry from Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Quay.
There are 5 public toilet blocks, one with hot showers. Outside cold showers are also provided.
Horses are not permitted on the seashore between the Saturday preceding Easter Monday and the 30th September (both dates inclusive) in any year between 10am and 9pm.
Due to being so close to Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, BBQs are not allowed at Mudeford Sandbank Beach. Open fires, fire pits and fire bowls are not permitted at any time on the beach, promenade, cliffs, cliff tops or woodland areas. The beach is surrounded by unique cliff habitats which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and provide a home to many of the UK’s rare species of reptiles, birds and insects. Their dry nature means they are vulnerable and sparks from open fires can cause huge damage.

Tip by

3.15 km

Hengistbury Head

Highlight • Natural

If it's a clear evening, there is no better place to see the sunset.

Tip by

3.74 km

Hengistbury Head

Highlight • Natural

Hengistbury Head has so many designations that it seems like one of the most fascinating places in the country; a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Local Nature Reserve, a Special Area of Conservation, an Environmentally Sensitive Area and more besides.

Aside from being home to rare birds, animals and plants, the headland was also home to ancient people. With evidence of Stone Age activity and that of almost every era since, it's not only now that people flock to Hengistbury Head.

With a wonderful sandy beach and far-reaching views to the Isle of Wight and across to Swanage, this is a fantastic place to visit.

Tip by

4.11 km