The River Avon, Dorset (Avon Tyrell to Christchurch Harbour)
Introduction
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A major river flowing from near Pewsey, past Salisbury to the English Channel at Christchurch. However, this is one of the UK’s most biodiverse rivers and is rightly protected in its upper reaches. This guide only covers the lower part of the river leading down to the sea. |
Maps
Ordnance Survey Landranger 195 (1:50,000) Bournemouth & Purbeck Wimborne Minster & Ringwood
Google Map of the route
Access Points
Put in at Avon Tyrell just south of the small village of Kingston on the B3347. You could try further up if the water level is good but beware of angling interests. Down at the mouth of Christchurch harbour you can get out on the western side at Hengistbury head or on the eastern side on Christchurch beach. There is a large car park right at the harbour entrance.
Journey
From Avon Tyrell Causeway the river meanders beautifully through open countryside. After a short distance the river spilts you can take either side. On the left side the first weir is near a large mill-like building in Sopely.There is a low bridge and some faster water after which the two streams join each other again.
The river splits again half a mile further on. The right hand side is the better choice with some faster water. After another half a mile the river rejoins itself.
The water is then flat for the next halfmile before the waterworks at Christchurch . The weirs at this waterworks are all under very low bridges, so it's highly recommended that you make a quick discreet portage on river left into the pool below.After the waterworks, the river passes under the railway and loops past a large house, footbridge and car-park on river right.
Below this house the river is tidal so there can be no argument of access.
You will then come past the old Christchurch priory and mill before the Avon joins the Stour and you move on into Christchurch harbour.
The harbour is beautiful and if you time the tide and weather right you will have a lovely run across to the harbour mouth. Be advised that conditions can be hazordous to the inexperienced in bad conditions. Don't try what you can't do without expert help.
Tides
See the admiralty charts at easytide
EasyTide
Other
River Avon access information
English Nature information on the River Avon
