As the wide and fast flowing River Stour enters the conurbation of Bournemouth it winds its way through Throop. Pass the village’s ruined mill, still standing on the river banks, apparently haunted by children lost to the water. Cross the mill stream using its iron sluice gates, holding back the flow from the giant mill pond. Join the old cart road to reach Pansy’s Bathing Place and the ford that crosses the Leaden Stour. Skim the edge of the growing Bournemouth Airport and the fading Alice in Wonderland Adventure Park to return to the river. Follow the meandering course of the Stour downstream back to a gushing weir and the crumbling Throop Mill.
Distance: 2.75 miles/4.5km
Time: 1 to 2 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max height: 45ft
Min height: 18ft
Total climb: 30ft
Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields and roads.
Start Point: Throop Mill. (Postcode: BH8 0DN, Grid Reference: SZ111958, What Three Words: stale.repair.beast).
Map: OS Explorer OL22 New Forest
How to get there: From the centre Ferndown travel south on Church Road to cross straight over the Ringwood Road. Bend with the route to the right to stay on Dudsbury Avenue and at the junction with the A347, turn right. Stay on the same road, crossing the B3073 and over the River Stour. At the roundabout continue straight ahead onto Whitelegg Way. At following roundabout cross straight over again, but at the next turn left onto Broadway Lane and into Muccleshell. At the mini roundabout take the second exit to follow the road around the village and find the Mill car park on the left.
Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code.
Refreshments: None on route but nearby are a number of options including The Toby Carvery in Northbourne and The Curlew in West Parley.
Neighbouring Walks: Iford, Christchurch, Hengistbury Head, Brownsea Island, Lady Wimborne Bridge, Hurn and Ferndown.
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