Autumn glory
There are at least four rivers called Stour in England. However, on this autumn trip, we were only interested in the one that rises in Wiltshire and spends most of its time meandering through Dorset to the sea in Christchurch Harbour.
This River Stour is 64 miles long and can be followed along its entire length by the Stour Valley Way footpath. Our plan was to visit some of the most interesting places along its route and finishing in what must be one of the very best places in the country to appreciate the seasonal colours, the famous gardens at Stourhead.
Our journey was to take us upstream, starting in Christchurch Harbour. Many of Christchurch’s car parks have height barriers, but not Mayors Mead.
A lovely walk starts by following the end of the Stour Valley Way across the saltmarshes to Hengistbury Head. This imposing hill sits between the main sweep of Poole Bay and the shingle spit, which protects the entrance to the harbour.
