The Wednesday Walk 17th December 2008

The Plan
We will meet at the "sunken" car park near Avon Beach. The meeting time will be 1045 as we anticipate only an hour's walk. We will then have our Christmas lunch at the Globe in Highcliffe.

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Congratulations to Trudy who was the only one who turned up for the walk.

The Pub
We had planned on sixteen turning up for our annual Christmas lunch. Thirteen made it to the starting line. Sue was there with her broken arm. Trisha was there on a walking stick. And Beatrice was now walking unaided after her fall. Sadly, Wendy was too ill to come, and Ros and Pete were held back with Pete's recent hospitalisation. The rest of us were in seemingly reasonable health and certainly enjoyed ourselves. Crackers and jokes abounded and plates were emptied. It was a good party to end our year of Dorset walking.

The Future
The Wednesday Walkers blog will now close for three weeks as the blogmaster will be on the high seas to The Caribbean. Look out for details of our next advertised walk, which should be on the 14th January 2009. A very Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year.

The Wednesday Walk 10th December 2008

The Plan
We will meet at Whitecliff for a walk into Poole. Note that the meeting time will be 10.30 for this walk.

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Trudy, Beatrice, Tony and David.

The Walk
One again, the met men have done us proud. We had another crystal clear day. The air was cold, but invigorating, and the sky was devoid of cloud.

We met at the Whitecliff car park and then walked along the harbour-side path to Poole Quay. We stopped for a photograph at the new Baden Powell memorial statue on the quay. B-P set up the first boy scout camp on nearby Brownsea island, the largest island in Poole Harbour.

A wander up the High Street took us to The Real China restaurant. Beatrice did well for her first walk since her accident, keeping up with the group all the way to the restaurant.

After lunch, we walked through Poole Park on our way back to Whitecliff. Once again, it was sunny and clear, but still a little cold. All-in-all, it was a very pleasant walk: not too demanding, but good for our constitutions.

The Pub

Not a pub, today. We ate at the Real China Restaurant where the offer is: as much as you can eat for £5.95. David did not find a pie but he went back for a second helping so it couldn't ahve been bad. The food here has the look of real Chinese food but it tastes infinitely better.

The Wednesday Walk 3rd December 2008

The Plan
Meet at David's for one of Brian's New Forest walks. We will be lunching at the Forester's so the pies should be well up to scratch.

The Leader
Brian

Who Turned Up
Brian, Wendy, Sue, Pam (with Archie), Trudy and David

The Walk
Despite attrocious conditions in the north of the UK, we were blessed with a measure of sunshine and blue skies. The air was cold, but that only made the walk more invigorating. We parked at our usual spot near the Forester's Inn at Frogham and set out across the forest's high ground. The cold, crisp weather made the views over the valleys and distant forest more attractive. We arrived back at the pub just before they opened at noon and were joined shortly after by Tony and Beatrice. After lunch we set out through Frogham village and then onto another of Brian's moorland walks. By now we were ready to walk off some of the effects of a heavy lunch. A few clouds drifted over but, by and large, it was another bright walk. We saw deer towards the end of the afternoon but they were too far from us to get some satisfactory photographs. Nevertheless, Trudy's pictures again do justice to the walk. Beatrice and Tony met us again at David's for tea and cakes.

The Pub

The Foresters at Frogham. As usual, David was first at the counter to get his share of the famous Forester's pies. He expressed himself well contented. Wendy and Pam had one pie between them and were equally well contented. Sadly, we didn't quite finish the crossword.

The Wednesday Walk 26th November 2008

The Plan
We will meet at Haskins at 10 am. Will someone please make sure Wendy does not see any Eddie Stobart lorries! We will walk to Stapehill with lunch at The Pure Drop.

The Leader

Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trudy, Wendy, Sue, David and Pam (with Archie). At lunchtime we were joined by Beatrice and Tony, along with Pat and Pauline. Tony accompanied us on the afternoon walk.

The Walk
Yesterday was sunny and cold. By contrast, today was overcast and a little warmer. A decent day for walking. We met at Haskins Garden Centre and enjoyed a cup of coffee before we began the walk. Trudy led us to Ferndown Common and we then walked along the eastern edge. The ground was a bit wet in places, but it was still a good walk. The common had a country air about it, even though we were actually in the heart of Ferndown. We were at risk of arriving early at the pub, so we took a few detours as we came closer to the Wimborne Road. We were at the pub shortly before twelve and then joined by our four non-walking friends. After an enjoyable meal, the five morning walkers set off towards the common, now joined by Tony. This time, Trudy led us along the opposite side of the common and, again, she built in a few detours to make the walk worth while. The weather stayed overcast but relatively warm, making it a pleasant day's hiking. It is my pleasure to record that Wendy completed the entire walk without breaking any bones. Well done, Wendy!

The Pub

The Pure Drop, Stapehill. We had booked a table for nine, making it an ejoyable communal occasion. Pam was able to bring Archie in with her - although she did have to take him outside for a while when he insisted on joining in with the piped pop music. Pam was worried that he wasn't in tune with the singers. The food was much better than two weeks ago, as was the service. No complaints at all this time. Even David's pie was well up to scratch.

The Wednesday Walk 19th November 2008

The Plan
Depending upon the weather, we will walk at either Kimmerage or St Catherine's Hill. Wendy has kindly agreed to promulgate the final choice by e-mail on Tuesday afternoon. If you don't pick up the e-mail, give her a call on Wednesday morning.

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Ros, Trudy, Pam (with Archie), Brian and David

The Walk
It was another beautiful walking day. We drove down to Kimmeridge and parked at the old quarry car park about half a mile above the village. Then we walked across the fields in the direction of the army firing range. This was one of their practice days on the ranges and we heard the gun shots in the distance. At the first sight of a red flag (warning of an army firing range ahead) we turned sharp left towards the coast. We had one steep hill to negotiate, but it was all downhill and we found three different ways down. We continued across the fields towards the shore, finding it a bit muddy in places, until we reached the car park at Kimmeridge Bay. From here, Ros and Trudy took Archie for a walk up to Clavell's Tower. The rest of us gave in to our tummies and headed back to the tea rooms at Kimmeridge. They had no pies, but the food was good and the atmosphere in the tea rooms was very pleasant. Three people (no names) were encouraged to have a sweet to round off the meal. We were all well satisfied with the food - a big improvement on last week. In the afternoon, we drove back to Corfe Castle and walked along the path from the Heritage Centre to the village.

All in all, it was a very pleasant, sunny day and an enjoyable walk. We ended up with tea, biscuits and home-made cake at Sue's house.

The Pub

No pub this week, Instead, we visited Clavell's tea shop in Kimmeridge village. The village is old and quaint and the tea shop is nicely in keeping with the local atmosphere. The food was good and reasonably priced. The toilets were immaculate. When they forgot to charge us for our drinks, we did the decent thing and pointed it out to the serving lady.

The Wednesday Walk 12th November 2008

The Plan
Meet at Branksome Woods in the car park near the tennis courts at 10am. We will walk to the Nightjar for lunch. Pat and Beatrice (along with anyone else presently limited in walking) will be welcome to join us for lunch.

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Ros, Trudy and David (Trisha, Beatrice and Tony joined us for lunch)

The Walk
The forecasters promised us a nice gin-clear day and they were right. Blue skies and sunshine stayed with us all day. We met at the car park and walked down through Branksome Woods amidst some glorious sun-lit autumn colours (see photo). We stopped at Branksome Chine for tea and coffee on the restaurant balcony overlooking the beach (see photo). One walker indulged in a large cake but we have all promised to say nothing about it. It was a pity that Sue's tea was spoiled by a ripped tea bag as it was otherwise a pleasant break. From there it was another pleasant walk along the seafront and then up through the woods to the pub. Trisha, Beatrice and Tony joined us for lunch, and we actually mananged to complete two whole cryptic crosswords. After lunch we took the same route back to the cars, but without the tea/coffee break. Trisha very kindly invited the group to her house for tea.

The Pub

The Nightjar, Canford Village. We have eaten here before and been pleased with the quality of service and food. This time we were disappointed. The bar was understaffed but we could have overlooked that. Beatrice's food was fried to a frazzle and that was not acceptable. David's flakey-pastry steak pie had the look and texture of a suet pudding, with the base burned black beyond recognition. Our complaints met with the response, "Sorry, but other people have also complained." The standards will have to improve if we are ever to be tempted back there again. It was a pity because the walk was otherwise very pleasant.

The Wednesday Walk 5th November 2008

The Plan
Meet at David's for one of Trudy's New Forest walks.

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trudy, Wendy, Ros and David

The Walk
We began by driving to In Excess for a coffee. It's the only place we know where you can still get a cup of good, tasty coffee for under a pound. Then we drove on along the A31 and took the Stoney Cross turn-off. We continued along that road to the point where it crosses the B3078 and parked in a woodland car park there. Then we set off cross country towards Nomansland. At first we were in open country and knew exactly where we were. But we quickly dived into woodland and that was where the actual pathways and the map didn't agree. It was an interesting walk with beautiful autumn colours everywhere. We also came up against some typical autumnal muddy paths which tested the strength of our walking boots. We had booked a table at the pub for one thirty and were getting worried about our lunch as the paths deviated more and more from the map. More by luck than judgement we walked in the pub door at exactly one thirty. Not a minute before and not a minute after.
After lunch. we decided to take a shorter route back through the woods and again were confused by the differences between the actual paths and the map. At one point we had to stop and double back to an earlier path. But, once again, luck was on our side and eventually we came out exactly where we were headed for.
Overall, it was a good walk and a useful one as we now know the pitfalls of that route through the woods. Next time we'll go prepared.

The Pub
The Lamb Inn at Nomansand. A pleasant pub on the edge of a small country village. This was our first visit here and we noted that it was well patronised by senior citizens. The food was excellent and not too expensive. David's huge chicken and ham pie with veg and potatoes was £8.95. He couldn't finish it.

The Wednesday Walk 29th October 2008

The Plan

To meet at Ros's and walk from Wareham

The Leader

Wendy

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Ros, Trudy, Brian and David

The Walk

It was a cold, crisp morning with clear blue skies. Other parts of the country were suffering from an early onslaught of snow. For us, it was perfect weather for walking. We drove to Wareham and parked near the hospital. Our walk took us across the common, over the River Piddle by the old mill and then beneath the by-pass road. At a farmyard, we encountered some treacherous mud but managed to get through it without any injuries. After that, we walked on through quiet coutryside and chilly autumn-leaved woodland. Tony, Beatrice, Trisha and Pauline were waiting for us at the Silent Woman. That's a pub, not a comment on any of our friends. After lunch, we walked along a different route that took us back to Wareham via the golf course. That's where we met our only problem. We got into a housing estate and had to ask for directions to get out again. Overall, it was a very pleasant walk on a very pleasant day. We drove back to Ros's house for tea and biscuits (or was it cakes?) where Tony and Beatrice were again waiting for us.

The Pub

The Silent Woman. We have eaten here before and found the food to be good. David's steak and Guiness pie and Tony's live and bacon were excellent. But Wendy and Brian had soup which they found to be tasteless. Quite rightly, they were told they did not have to pay for it. On the up side, the toilets were spotless.

The Wednesday Walk 22nd October 2008

The Plan
To meet at Ros's house. The walk to be decided when we see how the weather pans out.

The Leader

Brian

Who Turned Up

Brian, Wendy, Ros, Sue, Trudy and David to start with. Beatrice and Tony joined us at lunchtime.

The Walk

We met at Ros's house and drove in two cars to the Arne car park. The weather was bright, sunny and crisp - just right for a walk around the Arne nature reserve. Our walk took us down towards the shore where we saw a plethora of birds and numerous deer. The tide was out which meant we saw birds on the mudflats.

We drove back to the Halfway Inn for lunch, where we met Beatrice and Tony. After lunch we returned to the car park and did another walk in the opposite direction to the morning. Beatrice waited at the car park while Tony joined in the walk.

It was a very pleasant day, the sun was shining and the Arne area was quiet. A very enjoyable walk.

We drove back to Ros's for tea and cakes. On the way, Trudy picked up an extra passenger (Leo) who appeared to enjoy all the attention he was given at Ros's.

The Pub

The Halfway Inn. The atmosphere was pleasant and the food was very good but the prices have gone up. David's Steak and Ale pie cost £10. Probably the most he has ever spent on a pie. At least he managed to eat it without spilling any.

Tony and Beatrice were already at the pub when we arrived - Beatrice on crutches after her recent accident.

The Wednesday Walk 15th October 2008

The Plan
To meet at David's for a walk from Downton

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Ros, Sue, Diane, Trudy and David

The Walk
The forecast was wet but reality enured we stayed dry all day and even had a hint of sunshine in the afternoon. We drove to Downton and parked in The Moot car park. From there we took the usual route across country to Woodfalls. It was a little muddy in parts but nothing serious and still a pleasant walk. We had memories of a very muddy, narrow path on the return journey. The last time we did this walk, Trudy and David climbed a fence to avoid that particular muddy path and then had difficulty getting back on the right trail. So, after lunch, Wendy decided on an alternative route back to Downton. It was certainly less sticky, but we came up against a part that was too overgrown to get past. We also came across some fly-tipping right in the middle of the path near a traveller's camp. We did a detour to get past the overgrown area. Shortly afterwards, we found primroses in bloom - and this is October!

The Pub
The Old Inn at Woodfalls. Tel: 01725 510422. We have eaten here before and always found the food good. Three of the ladies opted for a two-course special. David's pie was excellent.

The Wednesday Walk 8th October 2008

The Plan
To meet at David's house and walk in the New Forest

The Leader
Brian

Who Turned Up
Ros, Brian, Tony and Beatrice, Pam and Archie

The Walk (Written by Ros)
The weather was just perfect for a walk in the Forest. Unfortunately David was unable to change his flu jab appointment, so was unable to join us. We drove to the Red Shoot where we met Pam and Archie. We then walked up the hill towards Linford Bottom and met some quite noisy heifers on route. The sun was warm so this resulted in us peeling off our jackets etc. We turned left at Linford Bottom and did a circular route back to the Red Shoot. In the afternoon we headed off opposite the pub up the hill, where the going was quite muddy. We circled once again back to the pub. Archie thoroughly enjoyed his walk and came back easily after he had spoken to other walkers and dogs! A very sociable dog. Afterwards we returned to David’s where a very welcome cup of tea and cakes awaited us.

The Pub
The Red Shoot. We had a very enjoyable meal, a little more expensive than some, but we all agreed you get what you pay for. Archie enjoyed his bone Pam had given him for his lunch! Tony pointed out a Bentley sports coupe car parked outside the pub that was cherry red with a cream leather interior. The owner was not going to risk putting it in the car park. If Brian wins the lottery tonight he is going to give his new Jazz to Tony! In deference to Archie, the pub had free dog biscuits on the counter.

The Wednesday Walk 1st October 2008

The Plan
Winterborne Tomson to The World's End

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Ros, Trudy, Beatrice, Sue, Trisha, Tony, David and Diane from lunch onwards

The Walk
There was a distinct possibility of rain, so we decided to alter the plan and walk from Turnerspuddle to Bere Regis. It has more shelter than the original plan. Diane was unable to do the morning walk as she had hurt her shoulder and needed to go to Wimborne Hospital. Wendy still has her broken wrist in plaster. And David still has the left side of his face in non-working order. Thankfully, the six other walkers were in a healthy condition. Wendy decided against doing "Michael's Walk" as the road to Turnerspuddle was made lethal with a whole string of high-speed tractors carrying heavy loads. However, the woodland walk was very pleasant and the trees sheltered us when the rain came on. Diane arrived at the pub shortly after us and joined us for the afternoon walk alongside the watercress beds and on to Turnerspuddle. Again, it was a very pleasant walk and this time we escaped the rain. Afterwards, we went back to Beatrice and Tony's for tea and rock cakes.

The Pub
The Royal Oak at Bere Regis. We have eaten here before and found the food to be good. We were not disappointed this time. David finally got to enjoy a pie again and no one commented on him drinking his beer through a straw. Wendy did stirling work eating with a broken wrist. Diane coped well with her damaged shoulder. And, of course, the healthy walkers all enjoyed a good meal.

The Wednesday Walk on 24th September

The Plan
To meet at Trudy's for a walk to Mudeford Quay

The Leader

Trudy

Who Turned Up

(All day) Trudy, Trisha, Beatrice, Tony, Brian and David

(Afternoon) All the above, plus Pam, Diane and Wendy

The Walk

After discovering the car parking fee was exorbitant, we parked in a street near Friar's Cliff. We then walked along the shore and through the Steamer Point nature reserve to Highcliffe Castle. Here the flowers were doing nicely (see photo). Another short walk then took us to the pub where Wendy and Diane were waiting for us. They added their comments to David turning up in pirate fancy dress which were duly noted in anticipation of that novel about the Wednesday Walkers! After lunch Pam joined the group, along with Archie, and we all walked back to the cars. Despite the weather being a little overcast, it was a very pleasant walk alongside a calm sea. Tea and cakes was taken back at Trudy's.

The Pub

The Globe, Highcliffe. We've been here before and have never been disappointed with the food. This time most of us had the fish and chips and three opted for the two-course special at £6.99. We are thinking about coming here for the Wednesday Walkers Christmas lunch. The only fly in the ointment today was a computer problem which put the cash tills out of order. Faced with falling back on pencil and paper, the staff managed to add up our bill wrong, but Beatrice sorted them out.

The Wednesday Walk on 17th September

The Plan
We will meet at Sue's and drive to Ringstead. From there we will walk to Osmington Mills.

The Leader(s)
Trisha and Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trisha, Sue, Trudy, Beatrice, Ros and Diane

The Walk (written by Ros)
We drove to the National Trust Car Park at Ringstead. The weather was just right for walking, overcast with just a glimpse of the sun at times. We set off down the hill towards Ringstead Bay beach and couldn’t resist stopping for coffee at the kiosk. We then followed the coast path to Osmington and had lunch in the pub.
After lunch, we rejoined the coastal path and followed it all the way along to Holworth where we stopped to visit a wooden chapel called St Catherine’s fairly near the cliff. (Wendy’s favourite chapel). There were fresh flowers in there and in particular a whistler window, not unlike the windows in Moreton Church. We then continued up the hill and back to the cars.
We enjoyed a cup of tea and cake when we returned to Sue’s.

The Pub
The Smugglers Inn, Osmington. The food was good and, yes, they do a selection of pies, but David was not present to try them. An unusual touch was a bowl of free apples and oranges on the bar counter. Most of the group had one of their five-a-day.

The Wednesday Walk on 10th September 2008

The Plan
Diane has researched a walk to Old Sarum from Salisbury and is happy to lead it - with a little help. We will need to park near the Cathederal. There is a Harvester near Old Sarum for lunch. The walk there and back is listed as two hours. We will meet at 9.30am at Tony's for a prompt start.

The Leader
Tony and Diane

Who Turned Up

Trisha, Diane, Sue, Ros, Trudy, Beatrice, Tony, David

The Walk
Sue and Ros kindly elected to drive to Salisbury. We went via the Cranborne Road from Wimborne and all was smooth until we got into Salisbury and found a road closed. One car went round in circles until a friendly driving instructor directed it to the car park! Entirely the fault of the lack of adequate street signs in the city. The walk from the city centre car park to Old Sarum was reasonably straightforward and it took us around the base of the Castle. It turned out to be a pleasant walk alongside the River Avon and the weather was neither too hot nor too cold. After lunch we debated whether to walk up to the castle, but decided we had insufficient time. It would be a good idea for a future walk. We took a shorter route back to Salisbury city centre but it was equally pleasant. The view above shows the cathedral spire in the distance as we crossed the fields approaching the city. We drove back to Wimborne where Beatrice kindly provided tea and biscuits and Sue provided buttered cake. On Diane's instigation, we discussed the Wednesday Walkers' Christmas Dinner and decided that we should now give some serious thought to the location. All walkers are asked to think about it and come up with ideas and/or suggestions.

The Pub

The Harvester opposite the entrance to the castle at Old Sarum. The food was good. We had a reduced price menu and free salad and the meal was enjoyed by all.

The Wednesday Walk 3rd September 2008

The Plan
To meet at Beatrice and Tony’s for a walk to Shapwick.

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trudy, Diane, Trisha, Sue, Beatrice, Tony and David

The Walk
We parked the cars near the church at Shapwick. Diane told us that the name means 'sheep farm' in old English. With plenty of time in hand, we took the longer route - skirting past Spetisbury - to Tarrant Keynston where we ate at the True Lover's Knot. On the way we found a huge puff ball. The morning was breezy but sunny, ideal for a walk. After lunch we took the alternative route back to Shapwick, including a long trudge across a dry-earth field. This time we came across a couple of deer, but they ran off before we could get too close to them. The weather kept dry and bright for us until we got back to the cars. Some slight rain as we drove home. We then went back to Beatrice and Tony's for home-made cake and tea.

The Pub

The True Lover's Knot at Tarrant Keynston. The pub has been refurbished and the food is a little expensive, but is generally good. Instead of a pie, David had pork loin chops in mushroom sauce and pronounced himself well pleased. Sue had a twelve inch sausage and chips. She was heard to exclaim, "I didn't know it would be as big as that." In the event she only ate the eleven inches in the middle. The only slight down side was the taste of Diane's chips. She wasn't sure what they had been cooked in.

The Wednesday Walk on 27th August 2008

The Plan
We had no clear plan from the previous Wednesday. Nearer the day, we planned to meet at Haskins Garden Centre, for a walk to Stapehill and return.

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trisha, Wendy, Sue, Ros, Beatrice, Tony, Brian, Diane and Serge.

The Walk (written by Ros)
Wendy, Sue, Trisha and Ros met at Trudy’s. Wendy took us to Haskins Car Park where we met Beatrice, Tony, Brian, Diane and Serge. Unfortunately, Wendy had a nasty fall in the car park fracturing her wrist and breaking her glasses. No more watching the Eddie Stobbarts lorries for you, Wendy!
Tony kindly drove Wendy home in her car with Diane following to bring Tony back to Haskins. A few of us set off along the main road and turned into Green Lane which took us to Ham Lane where we met the remainder of the group, Brian, Tony, Diane and Serge. Then we all set off for Stapehill. After lunch we set off on the return walk, turning off across Ferndown Common. The heather and the duck pond were very picturesque. All-in-all, it was a lovely walk but marred by Wendy’s fall as we were all thinking about her and how she was feeling. We all wish her a speedy recovery.
Diane is planning an early birthday party for Serge on Friday, before he and his family head off for America to live. Lots of good luck to all and hope it won’t be too long before we see Serge again.

(Tony added the following)

The walk was not without drama. Before we left Haskins, Wendy had a nasty fall. She tripped over the pavement curb while checking what was happening with a delivery lorry, which I believe was reversing. The result was that she cut her head and cheek, realigned/chipped her new glasses, hurt her wrist (later confirmed to be broken), and was thoughly shaken up. After first aid from Haskins and a cup of tea, it was decided that she should go home.

The Pub
The Fox and Hound at Stapehill. The meal was okay, but not wonderful. Tony enjoyed the liver. We can't comment on the pies as David was missing.

The Wednesday Walk 20th August 2008

The Plan
Meet at Wendy's. The walk will be either at Corfe Castle or Child Okeford. The decision will be made on the day.

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Trisha, Roz, Trudy, Beatrice, Sue and David for half the day

The Walk
The group drove to Childe Okeford for a cross country walk to Shillingstone. David missed the morning walk due to a car problem (brought to his attention by Roz). After his car was fixed, he drove to the pub - via the Shillingstone Railway Project. He enjoyed an extra pint while waiting for the others to arrive. The walkers agreed it was a pleasant morning walk, but a little longer than they expected. They were half an hour late arriving at the lunch stop. After lunch, the return walk to Childe Okeford was pleasant and dry (the rain didn't arrive until evening) but there was a pause for discussion where the ground route seemed to be at variance with the written directions. All in all, it was a good walk, well worth repeating.

The Pub
The Old Ox at Shillingstone. Tel: 01258 860211. A relatively quiet pub in the main street at Shillingstone. The atmosphere was good and the staff very helpful. The meals chosen by the ladies ranged from all-day breakfast to baguettes, and all were of good quality. David had a lamb steak which was superb. He rated it ten out of ten. Because of a problem in the kitchens, the meals did not all arrive together. The staff were most apologetic and gave us free tea and coffee in compensation. A place worth going back to.

The Wednesday Walk on 13th August 2008

The Plan
To meet at Tony and Beatrice's house and do a local walk in the vicinity of Wimborne. The actual route will be decided on the day.

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Trisha, Beatrice, Tony and Ros

The Walk (recorded this week by Ros)
Facing the elements (very wet and windy) we set off from Tony and Beatrice’s house to the main Cranborne road taking the footpath which led to High Hall. At this point Sue took a photograph of us in our wet gear. After following the path and across a field we eventually reached the road which led out to the main Cranborne road, which we crossed over and took the opposite road to The Stocks. We arrived quite wet and early at the Stocks and had an enjoyable lunch. David missed his pie but will make up for lost time next week! When we eventually braved the weather once more we headed down Smugglers Lane into Dogdean Lane which led us up to the Horns Inn. Opposite the Inn we sussed out the Woodland Burial Ground with a couple of us looking to book a plot! It’s set in 25 acres of woodland and they are eventually introducing a walk around the grounds. A future walk may be!! When we got back to Tony’s the weather was really turning nasty and we thoroughly enjoyed a good cup of tea and cake.

The Pub (recorded by Tony)
The Stocks Inn, Grange, Wimborne
Three of the ladies had baguettes with curly chips, Ros had a jacket potato and Tony had a very nice curry. The food was very good and was rated 8 out of 10.

The Wednesday Walk on 6th August 2008

The Plan
We planned to meet at Diane's house for a walk to Spetisbury. Diane kindly offered to host swimming and cream teas after the walk. In the event, the walk was changed to Cranborne.

The Leader
Brian

Who Turned Up
Brian, Trisha, Sue, Beatrice, Tony, Jackie, Ros, David

The Walk

We parked along the B3078 on the small lay-by near Mill Farm. From there we walked back to Cranborne along the path to the south of the road. Along the way we appeared to upset a field full of cows and bulls who began a loud bovine chorus. When the bulls were in a field with so many cows, why did they notice us? At Cranborne we asked a fireman where the best food was served and were told the Sheaf of Arrows pub. Four of us took up that option and had very good meals in a pleasant atmosphere, followed by good filter coffees. The other four went to the garden centre for snacks but refuse to divulge what they ate. Ve haff vays of making zem talk!!! After lunch, we walked back to the cars along a route to the north of the B3078. About half way back, Tony commented to Sue that this was the spot where she lost part of her stick on this same walk last year. Whereupon, looking down, he saw it lying in the mud...exactly where she lost it! After the walk, we went back to Diane's for a swim and cream teas (see pictures above). Thank you, Diane for hosting us so ably. A good day was enjoyed by all.

The Pub

The Sheaf of Arrows in Cranborne. The food was good, the coffee was good and we finished two crosswords. We can recommend this place for the future.

The Wednesday Walk on 30th July 2008

The Plan
To meet at David's for a walk over St Catherine's Hill. Sue has very kindly offered to bake a cake for the afternoon tea. The plan was changed on the day.

The Leaders

Wendy and Brian

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Brian, Trisha, Diane, Serge, Jackie, Sue, Tony, Beatrice, David

The Walk

We drove to Frogham, parked just around the corner from the pub and did two looped walks, each arriving back at the pub. The weather was good in the morning and perfect in the afternoon. There were numerous ponies out in the forest and Trisha got caught by them when changing out of her boots at the end of the walk. Sue's cake was excellent in rounding off the day.

The Pub

The Foresters in Frogham. The pub was closed when we arrived at the start of our walk, but Trisha left a note through the letterbox and they reserved a table for ten in their dining room. The pies were excellent - much better than a sandwich! David had the steak and mushroom pie, Tony had the pork and apple pie. Beautiful! The only problem was that we couldn't finish the crossword.

The Wednesday Walk on 23rd July 2008

The Plan
To meet at Wendy's and walk from Bloxworth to Bere Regis

The Leader

Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Diane, Trisha, Sue, Jackie, David

The Walk
The weather was perfect: warm and sunny. We began with a coffee break at the craft courtyard where Jackie joined us. Sue had a pot of tea which was too weak to be drinkable. We then drove on to Bloxworth and walked from there to Bere Regis. The very pleasant route began across an open field and then plunged into cool woodland which was welcome in view of the heat of the day. We had to negotiate one field with a herd of bullocks (Wendy valiantly leading) and then took the downward hill into Bere Regis. After lunch we detoured to avoid the field of bullocks before getting back onto the outward path. All in all, a very enjoyable walk. (A reminder: don't forget Diane's kind offer of cream teas for 6th August.)

The Pub

We had not booked in advance and took a chance on the Royal Oak in Bere Regis. We sat out in the rear garden in pleasant sunshine and enjoyed our meals. The steak and ale pie was excellent. Prices were reasonable.

The Wednesday Walk on 16th July 2008

The Plan
To meet at Wendy's house and do the walk cancelled from the 9th.

The Leader
Wendy (morning) and Ros (afternoon)

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Ros, Diane, Beatrice, Sue, Trudy, Trisha and David

The Walk
We parked in the NT car park beside the Bankes Arms. We had no intention of using the pub as it is too expensive. Instead we took a pleasant walk towards the NT cafe beside the Knoll Beach car park. On the way we diverted along the Woodhouse Wood Walk which climbed up steeply at the start and dropped steeply at the end. It brought us out close to where we began the detour. Altogether, this was a nice walk with some picturesque views of the harbour. After lunch, Ros led us along a walk around Studland Heath, taking in the hide where we were able to watch the birds life on the lake. The walk also took in an ice cream stop and a stroll along the beach where Trudy paddled her feet. The weather was good and the whole walk was greatly enjoyed.

The Pub
Not a pub this time. Instead, we ate at the NT cafe. Six of the team ate healthy salad meals. David set out to have a healthy fish pie but was persuaded to take an all-day breakfast instead. Sue also had the all-day breakfast. The prices were very reasonable. The only minor niggles were that David had no fish pie and Diane had no butter on her bacon roll. The serving wench wanted to charge her extra for a small pat of butter!

The Wednesday Walk on 9th July 2008

The Plan
To meet at Wendy's, study the weather and take it from there. The weather forecast does not look good.

The Leader
N/A

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Diane, Trisha, Beatrice, Tony, David

The Walk
The walk was cancelled because of the persistant rain. To occupy the morning, we drove to Pam's house for coffee, biscuits and playful pooch. We then drove on to the Globe at Highcliffe for lunch. It was still raining after lunch, so we drove back to Christchurch and visited the Museum of Electricity. Even allowing for the fact that it was free, we all agreed it was well worth the visit: interesting exhibits and an entertaining lecture. We left the museum around 3.30pm. Note for the future: Diane has invited us to her house for a champagne tea and a swim on 6th August. Put it in your diaries.

The Pub
The Globe Inn, Highcliffe. Tel: 01425 271360.
We have used the Globe before and never failed to enjoy the meals and environment there. Five of the six of us had a very reasonably priced plate of fish, chips and mushy peas (£5.49). All enjoyed it, especially as the fish was skinned. David, as usual, had to be awkward and had chicken, bacon and cheese melt. It was tasty, but a bit more expensive (£8.50). When will he learn to have a sandwich?

The Wednesday Walk on 2nd July 2008

The Plan
To meet at David's house and walk in the New Forest

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trudy, Wendy, Trisha, Sue, Diane, Tony, Beatrice, David

The Walk
We drove straight to the starting point (with no stop-off for coffee) at a parking area in the New Forest. The morning walk was mostly dry with a little rain, but a pleasant walk for all that. We lunched at the Hare and Hounds in Sway. There was general agreement that the meal was good with table service for drinks and food. The rain began again during lunch and we emerged from the pub into a longer shower. It was still wet as we made our way back towards the woods, so we elected to take a short cut along a disused railway track.

The Pub
The Hare and Hounds, Sway. Tel: 01590 682404
Sue had a lite bite and she rated the food very good and excellent value for money. Trudy had ham, egg and chips for around £5. David rated the meal very good but rather expensive. He had the pie-of-the-day, as usual, but without chips because he's on a diet! The pie, a pint of shandy and a coffee was over £13 (should have had a sandwich!).