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Home , Alum Chine, Bournemouth, Chine, Kinson, Poole

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Tropical Gardens, ’s near- Section 1 – Alum /Tropical Gardens death, R.L. Stevenson’s House, Smugglers and Seafront - A self-guided trail 1. To the east of the car park, behind the incorporating Alum, Branksome and children’s playground, are the Tropical Branksome Dene Chines and a wonderful Gardens. These were first planted in the way to explore Bournemouth and Poole. early 1920s and, after deteriorating, were replanted and landscaped in 1996. The Distance: Approximately 3 miles gardens contain a wide variety of Approximately 3.5 miles with tropical/sub-tropical plants including Chusan Palms and Yuccas. Much of the chine is detour. dominated by pines planted at the turn of the Time: Allow from 1.5 to 3 hours last century. There are also areas of deciduous woodland providing a mixed Introduction habitat which attracts several species of birds as well as the ubiquitous Grey Squirrel. The chine is named after a small mine established The word ‘chine’ means a ‘deep, narrow in 1564 by Baron Mountjoy to extract alum cut through soft rocks by a water and copperas. The alum was used in course descending steeply to the sea’. The manufacturing and medicine; the copperas word is peculiar to and the Isle of (ferrous sulphate) was important for tanning, Wight, chines being very much a feature of dye-making and ink. This was thought to be this part of the British coast. Bournemouth’s first industry but it did not succeed and the Baron died penniless. The walk starts at the car park located at the bottom of the . 2. One slope just before the Suspension Bridge has been cleared and thousands Enter Woods via the of heather plugs have been planted by access point adjacent to Belgrave Road. conservation officers and pupils from Follow the main path through the woods, Portchester Boys School between 1994 then cross Tower Road West and enter and 1999. Heathland is being Branksome Chine. Follow the markers successfully re-established to restore down through the chine. this once more widespread wildlife habitat. Section 2 – Branksome Chine

3. The suspension bridge was built in 5. In the 18th Century, Branksome Chine is 1903/04 by David Rowell & Co. and cost said to have been a regular route for £480! Some local historians believe this smugglers as they headed inland to the to be the bridge from which Winston area. Like Alum Chine, it also has a Churchill fell in 1892. The 18-year-old link with a great literary character. John Churchill, staying locally, was being Betjeman, former Poet Laureate, once chased by his younger brother and wrote – ‘walk the asphalt paths of cousin in Alum (or possibly even Branksome Chine/In resin scented air like Branksome Dene) Chine when he tried strong Greek wine’. to jump from a bridge to an adjacent fir tree. He lost his grip and fell 30 feet to the ground below. He was unconscious The chine has numerous tree species such for three days and bed bound for three as pines, maples and beech as well as a months. History could have been variety of shrubs. Birds can be seen dramatically different if he had not been throughout the year including Jays, so lucky. woodpeckers, thrushes, tits and summer warblers. During the summer months, many insects can be seen including A plaque between the two bridges near butterflies and dragonflies, the latter being the top of Alum Chine commemorates attracted by the . . 6. In 1932 a solarium opened in one of the To get to the site of his house, follow the buildings where the café is situated at the arrow out onto Warren Road. Turn right southern end of the chine. It was only one into Alumhurst Road. At the roundabout of its kinds in Britain at the time and offered turn right into Alum Chine Road. The site ‘sunshine’ all year round. The ‘sunbathing’ of the house is a short way along on the took place under ultra-violet lamps and right, opposite R.L. Stevenson Avenue. drinks were served by waitresses. The lamps gave light and heat producing the 4. Stevenson came to Bournemouth as a same effect as warm sunshine. The rays TB sufferer in 1884. The house was were believed to have beneficial effects – formerly called ‘Sea View’ before he destroying germs, providing resistance to renamed it ‘Skerryvore’ after a disease and stimulating the nervous built by his family’s company. system. The position of the house is marked by a low wall and there is a model of the Section 3 – Seafront/Branksome Dene lighthouse. You will find more Chine information on display in the garden. 7. In the 1850s, the lower part of the Retrace your steps back along Alum Branksome Dene Chine was owned by Mr. Chine Road to the roundabout. Proceed Charles Packe, an MP for South along the Western Road, crossing The Leicestershire. He built a mansion on the Avenue at a safe place. Continue along cliffs and called Branksome Tower, which Western Road until you come to is no longer standing. Belgrave Road. The Packe family also had a mausoleum On clear days there are fine views along built on the edge of Branksome Dene the coast. Look for Old Harry’s Rock to Chine, designed by William , which the west, and and the contains the bodies of Charles Packe and to the east. On the his wife. The mausoleum was restored by beaches, watch for the various species the of Poole in 1993. There is an of gulls and terns as well as the black optional detour from the route to see the and white Oystercatcher. building, which would take about a half to three quarters of an hour. The walk is uphill but good views can be enjoyed in Continue along the seafront until you fine weather. reach the south end of Alum Chine and the car park where the route began. NB – the mausoleum is usually open at the end of April, June and Further Information September. Parking: Pay and display parking is To get to the mausoleum, turn left by the available at the bottom of Alum Chine. ice cream kiosk. Go up two flights of There is also parking available at the end steps between the white beach huts, then of Branksome Chine by the café if you up a third flight of steps and then follow wish to start the walk from there. the yellow arrow markers until you come out onto the road. The mausoleum is at Buses: For bus service information the top of the hill. regarding any part of this route, the following numbers will be of use; Be aware of traffic when walking along 0871 200 2233 the road. Wilts and Dorset 01202 673 555 Retrace yours steps to the seafront to continue the route. Terrain: Surfaced footpaths for most of 8. There are some interesting geological the route. There are some uneven features to be seen as you walk back footpaths with tree roots in places. The towards Alum Chine. Immediately east of walk through Alum Chine is uphill. There the Branksome Dene Chine, a low are several flights of steps on the route section has laminated pink and grey although most of these are encountered cross-bedded silts, sands and clays. on the optional detour to the mausoleum. Bands of called Varves, left The middle section of the route includes behind by water, can also be seen here. pavements. Please take care when They consist of light and dark layers crossing busy roads. deposited at different seasons. In the higher cliff faces, yellow and orange layers of sand are noticeable. These are For further information on activities successive layers of fluvial and walks in Bournemouth visit indicating the position of a former www.bournemouth.co.uk or call 0845 . 051 1700.