The coast path at Highcliffe has been closed at the point where it leaves the castle grounds to run east along the cliff towards Chewton Bunny.
The closure of the castle’s zig-zag path is now expected to be in place for several months.
The cause is an unsafe wall. Christchurch Council is considering a new line of path which involves felling listed trees. This means that work cannot take place at once as at first planned.
There are two alternatives for walkers.
If you do not wish to visit Highcliffe Castle then cliff steps to the west by the former warden’s lodge in Steamer Point Woods can be used.
If you reach the castle grounds then you should leave by the main entrance and go right at Lymington Road. You will have the pleasure of passing the original castle gateway with its lodges (now the Lord Bute hotel; right). Go right into Wharncliffe Road and after the road has turned left go right along a footpath leading to the cliff top.
