The River Stour & Dudsbury Camp loop from Throop — Stour Valley Nature Reserve

Hiking trails & Routes

The River Stour & Dudsbury Camp loop from Throop — Stour Valley Nature Reserve

Moderate

4.8

(18)

hikers

The River Stour & Dudsbury Camp loop from Throop — Stour Valley Nature Reserve

03:31

13.8km

50m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 8, 2024

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

40 m

Throop Mill

Highlight • Structure

Despite being at the northeastern limit of the urban sprawl of Bournemouth, Throop feels like it resides is rural countryside. The Stour is lead down a cut, and so Throop flour mill sits on a more tranquil section of the river.

This gorgeous old mill closed in the 1970s and is a Grade II-listed building. A mill has stood on this site since the 11th century and the current building dates back to the 19th century. While you can't go inside (it's derelict), it's exceptionally lovely from the outside and easy to access via a footpath.

Tip by

6.76 km

Dudsbury Camp (Dudsbury Rings)

Highlight • Natural Monument

An Iron Age fort, Dudsbury Camp lies in a chain of such forts which starts at Hambledon Hill and ends at Hengistbury Head. This isn't quite as impressive as the others, low-lying and not quite as obvious, but you can still see earthworks in the south-west of the site.

Tip by

9.84 km

Stour Valley Nature Reserve

Highlight • Trail

Stour Valley Nature Reserve is a gorgeous location situated on the north-west edge of Bournemouth. The reserve consists of meadows, hedgrows, and woodland in a serene riverside setting.

There are grazing animals and other wildlife such as otters to keep a look out for as well as the magnificent Kingfisher which is a friendly face here. There is also a beautiful variety of flora including an arboretum filled with fascinating tree species.

Tip by

10.5 km

Swim Spot on the River Stour

Highlight • Viewpoint

Beautiful wild swimming spot situated along a tranquil stretch of the River Stour in Bournemouth. The swimming spot is located inside the Stour Valley Local Nature Reserve which is defined by beautiful meadows, hedgerows, and woodland in a wonderful riverside setting.

Tip by

11.3 km

Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre and Wildflower Meadow

Highlight • Cafe

The Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre opened in 2016 to raise awareness of the area's rich wildlife and cultural heritage. There is cafe with wooden benches and a play area on site and a number of regular events hosted here.

The centre is also situated inside a perennial wildflower meadow, which means a year-round display of flowers for you and wildlife to enjoy.

Tip by

13.8 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types