Hengistbury Head

Hengistbury Head is often referred to as Mudeford spit, yet it lies the other side of the narrow channel connecting the sea to the natural harbour at Christchurch. There are several ways to get there - the quickest being the ferry from Mudeford quay. There is also a longer ferry from the Quomps at Christchurch taking you across the harbour. But the best route is a walk from the Quomps at Christchurch, which takes 1-2 hours each way.

The Quomps is a leafy park bordering Christchurch harbour.  There is a bandstand, lots of benches and hungry swans (bird food available from the cafe).  In short a very genteel sort of place.  We start our walk at the far end, where a little ferry crosses the river for a £1 (as of 2019).  Turning left we pass a few moored boats, and then venture into the more tranquil surrounds of a wildlife haven.  A brief pause from the crunch of our footsteps on gravel, and the only sound is the rustle of the breeze through the tall reeds.

At the far end we come to a carpark and a choice of routes to the huts.  The easiest (and least interesting) is the route of the land train.  Better are the various routes across the obvious headland.  They all start with a tarmac path (off to the right after the 'barn'), but once up the steep climb, the best route is a narrow dirt trail to the left.  Another good alternative is to drop down to the water to the left, and follow its edge.  There are some quiet spots along the way, but it can be a bit narrow on the highest tides.  Whichever you choose, enjoy the relaxing atmosphere around the huts, and maybe a well earned ice-cream from the cafe.

If you catch a falling tide, head to the end where the narrow channel is and watch the tide race as the harbour drains.  Even the ferry struggles against it.  If the tide is right out there are sand banks to explore that stretch for some distance from the end of the spit - but watch the incoming tide.