Southbourne & Bournemouth: Clifftop Paths & Gardens

In addition to the 7-mile seafront promenade, there are some other terrific running options in the Southbourne/Bascombe/Bournemouth area. Run standalone or combine with the promenade for longer runs & variety!

Hengistbury Head. Gorgeous headland jutting into the English Channel between Bournemouth and Mudeford. It’s a popular visitor spot for its beach and great views. There are several miles of easy gravel paths atop the cliff (it’s 2 miles east-west). The Head is just east of the promenade path’s start in Southbourne. At its northern end, combine with some paths along the River Stour in Christchurch, all the way up to Iford Field.  Information.

Boscombe Gardens. Just above the Boscombe Pier, there’s a nice paved path though the Boscombe Gardens. It runs from the Manor Steps Zig Zag, above the water and then inland to Christchurch Rd.  Beautiful and green!

Bournemouth Gardens. Bournemouth is famous for its 1,000 hectares of parks and gardens. A highlight is the ~2 mile path through the beautifully landscaped Bournemouth Gardens, which maintain much of their original Victorian character. From the Bournemouth Pier, run through the Lower, Central, and Upper Gardens to Coy Pond. Note: special at Christmas!  Information

Promenade Path & Overcliff Path. Combine the above with a section of the 7-mile promenade path between Southbourne & Sandbanks. In Bournemouth, Boscombe and Eastbourne, there are also scenic ‘overliff’ paths & promenades atop the bluff above the beach. They can be reached by a series of stair/ramp ‘Zig Zag’ paths from the ‘undercliff’ promenades, and even a Cliff Lift at Fisherman’s Walk. The nicest sections are in Bournemouth between the Fisherman’s Walk & Manor Steps ‘Zig Zags’; west of  Boscombe Pier; and a paved path for 1 mile between Bournemouth Pier & Durley Beach.