17 July 2009

A brief stop at Mudeford Quay at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour and then Highcliffe.

The narrow entrance to Christchurch Harbour from Mudeford Quay. On the other side of the water is Hengitsbury Head.

The tidal flow through the channel was very fast. The fisherman on the other side were preparing their drift net.

The RNLI station at Mudeford.

The Mudeford end of Christchurch Harbour.

Lobster pots on the quayside. The Isle of Wight is visible on the horizon.

The drift net is now being recovered. Sadly they did not get any fish on this haul.

There is a regular ferry from here to Hengitsbury Head.

The fresh fish stall seemed to be doing a constant trade.

A closer look at the Needles on the Isle of Wight.

The cluster of buildings on the quay include a row of cottages dating from 1695 and the Haven House Inn dating from 1830. Up until about 1940 the whole area was still a shingle spit. It was not until after WW2 that the area was gradually covered with tarmac.

I have now moved a bit further along the coast to Highcliffe. This is the view across to the Needles on the Isle of Wight.

The view from Highcliffe along the coast towards Milford-on-Sea.

The view west from Highcliffe with the entrance to Christchurch Harbour at Mudeford in view. Follow this link to my next stop at Milford-on-Sea.

14 September 2016

A return visit to Christchurch to walk around Stanpit Marsh.

From the southern end of the marsh looking across Christchurch Harbour towards Mudeford.

Grazing ponies.

The view up river towards  Christchurch Priory.

In the distance Hengistbury Head.

We saw several of these resting on the wooden fences. I am not sure but I think this is a Ruddy Darter.

At the side of a stream as we approached Christchurch town - Jewelweed.

The view south from the first bridge we crossed on the river Avon.

Approaching the second bridge.

Christchurch Priory and the old castle grounds.

Looking back across the bridge.

The remains of the Norman Hall, thought to have been built about 1100AD.

The old Court House.

The blue plaque on the old court house.

Heading back to Stanpit marsh crossing the Avon again.

The view west towards Mudeford Quay.