Quiet spot near Bournemouth?

[MadHatter]

Hi long time since I was on here and I was mostly on the Inland forum.

I've organised to meet a friend for a bit of a paddle near Bournemouth (Christchurch for those that know) I'm looking for someone with a bit of local knowledge to give me some ideas of fairly sheltered areas for a paddle, we are just planning an hour or 2 in our boats with a fairly easy get in.

Any suggestions?

[Mark R]

Christchurch harbour is nice.

[Chas C]

Depends if you want to set off and return to the same position.

Assuming you do then go from the car park behind Christchurch Rowing Club, think its Quay lane ?. From here you can paddle around the Christchurch "Avon" loop or go down towards Hengistbury Head or Mudeford (although watch the tides for paddling back - or park a car there first) or go up the river Stour.

Have a look at the Canoe England Paddle Trails as I'm sure Christchurch Harbour is one of them.

[Bards]

Both rivers that lead into the harbour are pleasant enough, as is a splosh around the harbour exploring the creeks around Stanpit Marsh etc. If you go for the main harbour itself, then do bare in mind it's a shallow body of water; follow the marked channels or you may be grounding/dragging a lot, definately not to recommended on a falling tide...!

Bards

[MadHatter]

Cheers all, christchurch harbour it is I think, it is a falling tide so going to stay well away from the entrance. Will head for the rowing club and go up the river from there.

Thanks,
Nick

[Selkie]

I paddle Christchurch Harbour most days as it is on my door step. If is is neaps (or near to) you have little concern about tides...just stay out of any main flow if paddling against the tide. If it is Springs (or near to) it is best to time your paddle accordingly. In either case, it is not necessary to stay in the main channel, in fact I would advise against it at weekends to avoid boat traffic. Even at low neaps you can hug the harbour side on the West bank. Much more interesting with plenty of wildlife.

You can launch at Iford Bridge, for a longer paddle down the river into the harbour and even pop out to sea if tides, weather and time permit. About an hours paddle each way.

You can launch at Wick Lane slip. Opposite side of the river to the one mentioned in a previous post. This is about half way down from Iford Bridge and ideal if you want a shorter paddle or want to go out to sea for a bit. Or you could extend this by paddling down river just past the Christchurch Sailing Club turn left and do a loop paddle up the Avon and down the Strour passing under the 2 Christchurch Bridges returning to the Harbour and paddle down to Mudeford.

Lots of eateries for a very civilized paddle.
Pub at Iford Bridge
Riverside Pub at Tuckton Bridge
Captains Club at the Quomps
Boat House at Christchurch Quay
Beach House at the Mudeford Spit
Pub at Mudeford Quay