Stour Wildlife Opportunities Circuit, Iford, Dorset

The start point is in Old Bridge Road which is adjacent to the Iford Bridge Tavern. There is a modest amount of car parking space in this road which can only be accessed by car from the main A35 (Christchurch Road/Barrack Road). There are bus stops nearby just beyond the Iford Bridge Roundabout used by bus services between Boscombe and Christchurch and by services from Bournemouth to Christchurch via Castle Lane.

[1] On Old Bridge Road, facing away from the main road, walk until you reach the old narrow bridge and turn left on to it. Beware of cyclists especially around school opening/closing time. 

[2] Just beyond the main section of the old bridge it is possible to turn right onto an island on a path (first mud)  that weaves for about 200 yards between the main river and a side channel. This may provide chances to see wildlife further down river. The path ends where the island does so you will need to turn round to get back and turn right on to the route. The onward route continues across the second old bridge section.

[3] Before arriving at the main road there is a short steep slope on your left leading down to what should be a grassy area.  Provided the grassy area is not flooded walk down and then turn right to select one of the under bridge arches. Puddles and wet patches are to be expected in any of the archways and taller folk will have to duck to get through to get to a car park.

If the grassy area is not visible because it is flooded, proceed to the main road, cross with care and then walk a short distance left to find an entrance way with a metal frame limiting access to vehicles under 6 ft 6. Go through the entrance way and then bear left down to the car park.

From the centre of the car park aim for a gap between some green re-cyling skips and a blue container in the car park corner.  Walk through the gap to find the start of a path (green public footpath sign) that is first gravel but soon becomes soil or mud. Follow the path, with gaps between trees on the left some allowing access to the river bank. These can be slippery and possibly occupied by members of the fishing club that holds the fishing rights.

[4] After about 200 yards the first of several paths leads off to the right onto to a golf green. Please be aware of stray golf balls until after [7]. Ignore this path and subsequent ones on your right to keep the River Stour on your left. Further on there is an area which is open, i.e. no trees, on your right. Keep following the river bank and in about 200 yards find a green bridge. Turn left to cross the bridge.

[5] Just after the bridge, turn right along a track and proceed with golf links on your left and the Stour meandering to your right.

(A) Here you join the Stour Valley Way, a designated footpath that follows almost all of the 64 mile course of the River Stour from Stour Head in Wiltshire to Hengistbury Head near Christchurch.  Look out for Stour Valley Way way marks with their kingfisher logos.   

[6] Keep on this track until you reach Iford Weir, which is fenced off because of the dangerous river currents above and below it. There is also a track coming in from the left from the golf club buildings.

This can be a good spot for to see birds and there is often a heron fishing from the stones on the opposite bank.

Turn round and walk back along the track passing the green bridge until you reach a hedge/fence that marks the edge of the golf course.

[7] There is a gap in the hedge adjacent to the remains of a stile. Go through the gap on to a path. The path is almost immediately joined by one from the right and from this point onwards your path runs very close to the river bank.  Proceed to a concrete bridge with metal fencing across the outfall from a culvert on your left.    Cross the bridge and bear slightly right to reach a gravel cycle track.

Look out for cyclists and turn left onto the cycle track. Proceed and after a small ascent the main road (A35) should be visible.   There is a pedestrian crossing where the cycle track meets the main road and after crossing turn right to find Old Bridge Road after a short distance.

From the bridge there is a good view down river and to a lesser extent up river to the new bridge that carries the main road. Despite the proximity to the main road and other urban features a variety of water loving wildlife has been seen around the Stour along the walk route. Ducks and seagulls are the mostly likely here.  However I've seen a heron near dusk and I have been told that otters and cormorants have been seen from here.

In dry conditions this route could probably be described as easy but after rain you might need wellingtons or boots for coping with mud on some sections hence the leisurely rating.  Things you might want to take with you are binoculars and a camera for spotting and capturing wildlife views, which could occur anywhere along the river. There are "Dogs On Leads Please" signs on the paths and track through the golf course and it is likely you will encounter dog walkers with their dogs on leads (plus plastic bags) elsewhere on the walk route.

There are no refreshment points on the route but the start point is very close to a pub and some fast food outlets.

Dogs need to be on leads for most of it and children kept from the riverbank.