Chrnew one

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Christchurch to New Milton 1 (Chrnew 1) review.

There is not much I need add to the previous thorough reviews. Even with icy rain, it was an enjoyable, albeit bracing, stroll along the Dorset coast.

There is a long stretch of urban walking to finally leave Christchurch and step onto a sandy beach (Photos 1 & 2).

The route passes the steps up to Highcliffe Castle, well worth a detour if you’ve the time. It continues as far as Naish Holiday Village (Photos 3 & 4).

The Slow Way then leaves the coast for Chewton Bunny Nation Reserve, on the border between Dorset and Hampshire (Photo 5).

There is a rather long pavement walk alongside the A337 into New Milton (Photo 6). The urban walk to the train station crosses a recreation ground (Photo 7).

On 21 August 2023, I walked this route as part of the National Parks Trail. I'm rating it as only 3 stars for the reasons below. Further details in my Survey of this route.
- The route is approximately 60% on roads (4 out of 6.75 miles) Easy-going for walkers and no real gradients.
- Apart from a picturesque start in the old town of Christchurch, the route through to Mudeford is very dull
- The coastal walk from Mudeford to Highcliffe is fine, but a lot of the route is soft sand, making walking tiring.
+ Lovely scenic views of the Isle of Wight and towards Bournemouth on a clear day
+ The section through Chewton Bunny Nature Reserve is the best part of the walk - though will be a problem for pushchair or wheelchairs due to width of track and a flight of steps
- Once reaching the main road, the route into New Milton is along a busy road with narrow pavements in places.
+ On the final stretch to New Milton station, the Recreation Ground is a welcome open green space

Despite reservations I recommend this route.

Nice route. Most of it very accessible although very last bit of chewton bunny - slope leading up to A337 a little uneven and might me tricky with those who are using wheels- see photo. If using wheels, when entering chewton bunny from Highcliffe cliff top, go as far as little bridge where stream disappears underground and take left fork of path (sloping upwards) to avoid large stairs a bit further along trail.

I'd suggest a couple of amendments to reduce the amount of road on this route. I know Christchurch pretty well and if starting from there would take a right turn into the council offices car park after the second bridge on Bridge Street. From there go around the council building and behind the leisure center following the path around the BMX track and then through the nature reserve into Stanpit. It's a lovely little walk with a potential diversion onto the marshes (beware though, the tide can catch you out and you'll get wet feet). Turn right onto Stanpit road after the little car park and scout building. Follow the road and you'll rejoin the shown path at the church.
Personally at that point, I'd swing right into Mudeford Quay and join the beach earlier, there's a good view of the harbour that way and again, less road.
I don't know New Milton as well, but think following the beach for longer, coming up at Marine Drive car park then up Becton Lane will not add a huge distance to the walk but be much more pleasant than the main road.
Will have to try that approach and report back.

Very pleasant Slow Way between Christchurch and New Milton.

I'd say this was 3⭐- 5⭐ - 3⭐ like a lot of the New Forest Slow Ways! A bit dodgy coming in and out of the towns but delightful in the countryside and along the coast.

I'd like to revisit Chrnew one to see if there is a nicer route that avoids the A337 around New Milton.

Plenty of refreshments at both ends and today and delightful Monday market in Christchurch.

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