Avon Valley Path

Avon Valley Path is a 34-mile, one-way long-distance walk from Salisbury Cathedral to Christchurch Priory, following the River Avon through Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset. It crosses the western edge of the New Forest, then keeps going to the south coast, so this row describes the full route, not just its New Forest section. The path is divided into five stages, each planned as a day out. Allow about 13–16 hours on foot across the whole line, before stops or travel between stages. If you want one New Forest walk, choose a shorter section rather than setting out expecting a short circular trail.

From Salisbury, the route follows the Avon valley toward Downton. Near Downton, it climbs onto a ridge with views back to the cathedral spire and across the valley, then descends through woodland into the New Forest at Hatchet Green. Thatched cottages face the green where ponies graze, and a lime-tree avenue leads past Hale House and St Mary’s Church. At Woodgreen, the path skirts the medieval earthwork at Castle Hill, then crosses water meadows to the suspension bridge at Burgate. The bridge was rebuilt in 1950 after a tank destroyed the original during the Second World War. The path reaches Fordingbridge by the old railway line and St Mary’s churchyard; the town’s seven-arched stone bridge spans the river at its center.

South of Fordingbridge, the trail follows the Avon’s west bank, then swings inland past Harbridge Green and Turmer and crosses water meadows toward Ibsley. These meadows are a conservation area managed without fertilizers or pesticides. At Ibsley the trail passes a handsome bridge, crosses a main road, climbs through paddocks to Summerlug Hill and follows heathland with valley views toward Mockbeggar and Moyles Court. After Rockford it leaves the road for a bridleway between lakes; a stream runs alongside for part of the way, and the path passes Kingfisher Lake before reaching Ringwood under the A31. This is the most varied New Forest stretch: town streets, open fields, a hill, heath, lakes and shaded streamside walking.

From Ringwood, the route crosses a mill stream and follows a disused railway across meadows toward Kingston North Common. It passes Wattons Ford and Bisterne Church, then briefly follows the main-road verge near Bisterne Manor. Past North End Farm, the path turns through woodland and open fields and follows a stream toward Sopley. Monmouth House is a useful historic stop near Ringwood; the Duke of Monmouth was held there before he was taken to the Tower of London. After Sopley, the path crosses fields to Staple Cross, follows a stream through Burton and returns to the water meadows. It crosses the Avon at a weir, passes beneath the railway and ends at Christchurch Priory; the harbour is a nearby continuation.

The route can be seriously waterlogged from December through May, and some sections use road crossings or a verge. This isn’t a car loop: choose a section or arrange travel between stages before setting out. For a shorter New Forest option, Ringwood–Sopley is 6.5 miles one way and estimated at 2.5–3 hours, but it still needs onward transport. For the full route, the length and multi-day logistics are the real commitment.