Dorset Humanists

Join us for a Stour Valley Explorer, a wonderfully green and varied circular walk through the countryside on the outskirts of Bournemouth. Free to attend - donations at our indoor events are appreciated.

We assemble at 10.15am for a briefing by walk leader Aaron. We set off sharp at 10.30am so please let us know if you are coming.

Start point:
By gate at the end of Brecon Close, it bends right. BH10 7DX
WHAT3WORDS: ///drama.long.shark

Free on-street parking:
Suggest Avery Avenue, BH10 7EB and cross the road, Brecon Close is opposite and right a bit.

From our starting point, we’ll follow a quiet farm track down towards the River Stour, joining the riverside for almost two miles as it winds through the valley. After briefly leaving the river along a country lane and farm track, we’ll cross open meadows to meet it again, continuing towards Throop Mill, where we cross the river beside the weir.

From here the route continues through a mixture of peaceful riverside paths and woodland before taking us through the golf course — where walkers should keep an occasional eye open for low-flying golf balls! We then leave the river behind for some particularly tranquil farm tracks, passing an attractive pond which may provide our lunch stop, before meandering through a succession of paths and alleyways. The final half-mile follows the road back to our starting point — by which stage we confidently predict everyone will have exhausted both the countryside and their supply of conversation.

The route is approximately 6½ miles and generally easy going, with plenty of water, greenery and wildlife along the way. Trainers should normally be perfectly adequate, although walking boots are recommended following prolonged wet weather. Our lunch stop will be either beside the pond or around the golf course, depending on conditions on the day, so please bring a drink, lunch/snacks and anything else you need for the walk. There may be an opportunity to use toilets at the golf course, but as we haven't checked them recently, please don't rely on toilet facilities being available on the route.

• Toilets: Kingfisher Barn visitor centre at approx 1.5 mile point. Also Parley Golf Centre toilets
• Dog friendly walk.
• Almost entirely flat, slight slope to the golf course.
• Car sharing - please request and offer in the comments section or phone David 07910 886629
• Those sharing please offer to contribute towards fuel
• Sun hats, sun cream, plenty of water and snacks/lunch recommended
• Wear good walking shoes or boots
• Walking poles may be of assistance