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Walking Holiday on Dorset's
Stour Valley Way
Stourhead to Christchurch

 Walking holiday on the Stour Valley Way in Dorset This self guided walking holiday in Dorset is a great introduction to walking holidays in the UK. Dorset's Stour Valley Way passes through some of the River Stour's most spectacular landscapes full of wildlife and heritage.
Walking tour of the Stour Valley Way in Dorset

Suggested Tour Duration:
6 nights, 5 days walking
Total Distance:
63 miles
Min/max daily distance:
6/16 miles
Average Daily distance:
13 miles
Grading:
easy
Features:
Stourhead
River Stour
Wimborne Minster
Christchurch
Hengistbury Head
Day 1: Arrive at Stourhead or Christchurch
To start your UK walking holiday you make your own way to Stourhead in Wiltshire or Christchurch in Dorset. We can assist with coach or train transfers if necessary. Car parking is available for the duration of this Dorset walking tour. 		Stourhead on self-guided walking holiday on Stour Valley Way in Dorset
The River Stour near Gillingham on self-guided walking holiday on Stour Valley Way in Dorset
Day 2: Stourhead to Gillingham.    6 miles    easy
Stourhead is a National Trust Property at the head of the Stour Valley and provides plenty to see with its fine gardens and buildings. Then you start walking on the Stour Valley Way to Gillingham in Dorset with its fine church and selection of shops and pubs.
Day 3: Gillingham to Sturminster Newton.    12 miles   easy
Walking on from Gillingham the River Stour is alive with wildlife, providing a great chance to relax and unwind taking in the gentle sights around. Sturminster Newton is in the heart of Thomas Hardy's famous Blackmore Valley. The town was once known as Stourcastle and along with Marnhull was made famous by Thomas Hardy, and the area is part of the setting for his book 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles'.		 Sturminster Newton on self-guided walking holiday on Stour Valley Way in Dorset

Day 4: Sturminster Newton to Blandford Forum.    13 miles   easy
Before leaving Sturminster Newton the famous 17th mill with its weir are well worth a visit. It can be seen working between Easter and September. Walking on, the trail follows the River Stour's course until you reach the village of Child Okeford, mentioned in the Domesday Book at the foot of Hambledon Hill. Hambledon Hill is the site of a National Nature Reserve and is important for its archaeology and rare chalk grassland. Man's influence on the hill dates back 5,000 years and it was occupied by the Romans for perhaps 100 years. Before today's walk ends at Blandford Forum, the trail crosses Dorset's Jubilee Trail. This Dorset town has fine Georgian architecture and offers a fine range of pubs and shops.
Blandford Forum on self-guided walking holiday on Stour Valley Way in Dorset
Day 5: Blandford Forum to Wimborne.    16 miles   easy
The walking trail passes through Bryanston with its fine public school and grounds, home to two of the tallest plane trees in Europe, which are over 200 years old. At Charlton Marshall the Stour Valley Way uses the route of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line which closed in 1966 after over 100 years of service. Sturminster Marshall, a small village, is one of the few places in the UK to still have village stocks. Wimborne offers a fine selection of shops and pubs . The Minster dates back to 1120 and is well worth a tour.		 Wimborne Minster on self-guided walking holiday on Stour Valley Way in Dorset
Day 6: Wimborne to Christchurch and Hengistbury Head .    16 miles   easy
Walking on, the trail passes by Canford Magna famous for its gothic-style railway bridge built over Lady Wimborne's driveway. Throop has a mill mentioned in the Domesday Book and a mill has stood on this site since saxon times. Iford has a fine old bridge built in 1784. Christchurch with its fine shops, historic harbour and Priory built in 1094 is the official end of the Stour Valley Way. Christchurch is a great place to spend a few days, and extra nights can be arranged. Christchurch is also the point were the Avon Valley Path meets this trail. It is a short walk to Hengistbury Head with its nature reserves and fine beaches. You have now reached the south coast of England and the English Channel.
Stour Valley Way walking trail at Throop Mill, Dorset
Day 7: Depart after breakfast
Why not extend your walking holiday and spend some time exploring Dorset.
We can transfer you to your car, station or airport.

What's included
in your Walking Holiday
on the Stour Valley Way

  • accommodation at high quality guest houses, inns or small hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
  • room with en-suite or private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities
  • daily luggage transfer<
  • support should there be any problems on route
  • detailed itineraries
 This walking holiday in the UK operates year round and in either direction.
Short walking breaks are also available, with 2 or 3 days walking. Just select the part of the path you want to walk.
The above distances are only a suggestion. If you would like to walk longer or shorter distances, we can arrange that too.

Optional Extras
for your UK Walking Holiday
on the Stour Valley Way

  • upgrade to the region's most elegant, prestigious and famous hotels, where available
  • transfers back to car or station
  • parking facilities
  • rest days
  • inn to inn walks

6 nights from £419 per person
double occupancy

All prices subject to change
How to get there
Contact us for schedule and availability.
telephone us at Let's Go WalkingLines are open 7 days a week.

9am to 9pm

New York 5 hours behind UK time: 4am to 4pm EDT

Sydney 10 hours ahead of UK time: 7pm to 7am EST
or email us
By Plane to Bournemouth, Southampton, Bristol or London where we can arrange transfer to Stourhead
By Car to Stourhead or Christchurch where parking is available
By Train / Bus to Castle Cary or Christchurch
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