Hengistbury Head Walk

From the car park we’re heading south, along the coastal path and heading up on to Hengistbury Head itself which is a short, steep climb up. We continue along the clearly marked path, keeping the sea to our right, heading up and past the Coastwatch tower. As we get towards the end of Henistbury Head the path takes us round to our left and there are steps that take us down towards Mudeford Spit.

Here we continue straight on along the spit towards a cafe and where there are toilets if needed. During summer months and winter weekends when the weather conditions are favourable, you can catch a passenger ferry from here over to Mudeford Quay (where you’ll find a nice pub, a fantastic fresh fish stall and an RNLI station). The ferry is cash only.

When we’re ready, we retrace our steps back along Mudeford Spit and follow the cycle path back, this time offering views out across Christchurch Harbour. If you’ve had enough of walking – you can also catch a land train back along this route during the summer months.

From here we head back across the park towards the car park where we began.

Hengistbury Head is a nature reserve with plenty of rare and beautiful wildlife. Whilst dogs are permitted – care should be taken that they are not disturbing the wildlife who call this place home. There are places where dogs are welcome to be off lead – and others where they need to be on lead.