Riverside Avenue to Christchurch Golf Course

The paths and trails from Tuckton Bridge up to Hurn are the most unspoilt and least used of the trails around this area.

If you like less crowded areas than say, Tuckton to Wick ferry, then you will probably like the path from Riverside Avenue up to the Golf Course.There is parking along the road directly opposite Tesco's. A modern single bar steel access gate marks the beginning of the gravel path down to the river. Bear left to let it take you onto the path going upstream. Alternatively turn right for a short walk to Iford

The river meanders through the lush countryside and changes speed as it goes. In some place the river is so sedentary that water lillies grow along the edge.

The path leads around the bending river. Every turn offers a new surprise and another facet on this beautiful river.

In places, the opposite bank has well kept private gardens accessing down to the rivers edge but generally the footpath on this side of the river is through the rough along the river bank. Very occasionally it will take you away from the bank, but even then the path will offer some surprises with old knarled trees and views over the golf course.

The river has a number of shallows often with small gravel islands in the middle of the stream . This leads to areas of fast water surrounded by backwaters that have virtually no motion.

As you walk further upstream the river has a higher gradient and forms a short set of rapids over boulders. A complete contrast to the flow of the river just a few hundred yards in either direction

The white water speaks of the speed of the flowing water, and to its shallowness at this point. This is the absolute limit of navigation, although even a small craft would have some difficulties even getting to here.

Up beyond this short set of rapids the river is more tranquil. Tree dip their branches into the slow moving water. This area of the river has few visitors except for the odd fisherman, camped on the bank and for golfers using the course. The river supports a huge variety of wildlife and many birds nest along its quieter banks and on the small islands in the stream of the river.

The small islands that form in the stream of the river make ideal nesting areas for birds including swans. This swan was viewed through a small gap in the hedging at this point. Needless to say you should always leave the wildlife as undisturbed as possible.

Upstream the Wessex Way (A338) bridges the Stour. Beyond that the Stour curls its way up through Holdenhurst Village and past Thoop Mill.