Highcliffe Castle – Mudeford Quay loop from Highcliffe-on-Sea
Highcliffe Castle – Mudeford Quay loop from Highcliffe-on-Sea
4.7
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hikers
Highcliffe Castle – Mudeford Quay loop from Highcliffe-on-Sea
02:20
8.92km
70m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
604 m
Cliffside Steps to the Beach
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
1.75 km
Highcliffe Castle
Highlight • Castle
There is an international importance, too. For a large amount of medieval French masonry, shipped across the Channel, was used in its construction. It is this Norman and Renaissance carved stone, along with the Castle’s Gothic revival features and ancient stained glass, that make it appear older than it is.
Built mainly between 1831 and 1836, the Castle is the realisation of one man’s fantasy. He was Lord Stuart de Rothesay, a distinguished diplomat who had known and loved the cliff-top site overlooking Christchurch Bay since he was a boy.
The magnificent building, once lavishly furnished in the 18th century French style remained a family home until the 1950s. In the late 1960s two fires rendered the building derelict and in 1977, to prevent further deterioration, Christchurch Borough Council purchased it.
Tip by
2.89 km
Steamer Point Beach Huts
Highlight • Rest Area
The beach can be accessed either from Highcliffe Castle or by taking the mile-long path from Friar’s Cliff Beach. For much of the length of the beach a raised promenade runs along the base of the cliffs.
Dogs are allowed on beach, but best on a lead, also a car park is nearby with room for 200 vehicles.
Tip by
3.81 km
Avon Beach Pebbles
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
4.61 km
Mudeford Quay
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.92 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.08 km
3.21 km
1.25 km
349 m
Surfaces
4.38 km
2.51 km
1.09 km
456 m
356 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Saturday 16 May
15°C
6°C
50 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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