Whether it’s cycling along the coast, through the town centre with a stop off for a coffee or refreshments along the way, Christchurch has over 24 miles of cycle networks and half of it is traffic-free which makes it great not only for individuals but families too.
If you don’t have bicycles or are a visitor then getting around Christchurch is not a problem. Beryl Bikes are available throughout the area or you can also use Cyclexperience Bike Hire, adjacent to Brockenhurst Train Station and start your exploration from the New Forest which is just a short train ride away.
If it’s the sights and sounds of the town you want to see there are a myriad of cycle paths to get you around. Sit in the shade of the beautiful Priory, catch your breath or grab a coffee and some lunch in one of the many fantastic cafés and restaurants dotted throughout the area. You can also cycle all the way to Mudeford and reach the coast in a relatively short space of time arriving at Avon Beach; a beautiful spot peppered with pretty beach huts.
The Mude Valley Greenway, not far from Highcliffe, is also a beautiful route that follows part of the National Cycle Network Route 2 taking you from the sea at Mudeford safely into the countryside of the New Forest via Watery Lane, opposite Sainsbury’s superstore. For the more adventurous there is a 17-mile bike ride from Burton Green all the way to Burley, in the heart of the New Forest; a picturesque village with quaint shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants together with places to stay.
In addition to the New Forest the area offers further opportunities for some rural cycling. A little further into the countryside, you can pick up the inland trails and head in the direction of Burton and Sopley - both nestled in the picturesque valley of the River Avon. Highcliffe Castle is also a short journey and a real joy to visit at any time of year.
Whether it’s the rugged coastal path you are looking to walk or a quiet, peaceful meander through Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve or Hengistbury Head there is plenty to keep you moving around the surrounding area. If you fancy more of a historic walk around Christchurch then the Convent Walk is the perfect way to enjoy tranquil scenes and learn about some of Christchurch’s rich history.
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the town is almost effortless. With a short walk you can enjoy the splendid views across Stanpit Marsh Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the beauty that this protected nature reserve has to offer. If you love wildlife the reserve has a fantastic circular walk; it is a haven for birds together with over 300 species of plant, 14 of which are nationally endangered. It is quite a beautiful contrast to the busy town and a real hidden little gem just north of Christchurch Harbour.
This is a breath-taking area to walk around, again forming part of the Christchurch Harbour SSSI, with its outstanding beauty, rugged cliffs, sandy beach as well places to stop for refreshments. It has fabulous views across to the iconic Needles on the Isle of White and Purbeck Hills to the west. The extensive archaeological evidence at Hengistbury Head make it one of the best known case studies in British archaeology, dating as far back as paleolithic times. It is also a haven for nature and wildlife and is home to the rare Natterjack Toad, 14 species of dragonfly, 260 species of beetle, rare bird species such as Cetti’s Warbler and the fish-eating bird of prey the Osprey. You can walk all the way around Hengistbury Head to the Spit which is peppered with beautiful beach huts that have stunning views across to Christchurch on one side and the Isle of Wight on the other.
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