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!).