The Wednesday Walk 19th May 2010

The Plan
A walk from Keyhaven

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Beatrice, Trisha, Diane and Tony R, David

The Walk
We met at Trudy's but missed her on the walk as she was hosting her grandson's third birthday. Happy Birthday Leo! Diane and Tony did a little and large driving role (one Jeep and one Smart car) to transport us to the start of the walk at Keyhaven. We set off along the inland route, following the track towards Lower Pennington and arriving at the pub just on opening time.

After lunch we walked to the point where the path dived off towards the shore. There we split up, four people heading towards the shore and three taking the shorter inland route back to Keyhaven. At the end of the day, we returned to Trudy's to enjoy some chocolate birthday cake.

The Pub The Chequers at Lower Pennington. No pies but the meals were good despite that.

Next Week
To be decided

The following week
Meet at David's at 0830 with the plan to take the 10am ferry from Lymington to the Isle of Wight

The Wednesday Walk 12th May 2010

The Plan
A walk through Garston Woods

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trudy, Sue, Trisha, Ros, Beatrice and Tony H, Diane and Tony R, David and Rosa (welcome to the group, Rosa. It was nice to see a fresh face amongst us.)

The Walk
We began at the small car park alongside Garston Woods. The day looked promising, if a little chilly. We set off through the woods and paused when we heard a distant crash and shouting. A car crash? We never did find out what it was or where. The ground within the woods was a mass of bluebells, the reason Trudy arranged this walk. Not only did we enjoy the colourful display of bluebells, but we also enjoyed the countryside looking peaceful and pleasant as we made our way out of the woods and on towards Sixpenny Handley village.
After lunch, Trudy took us on a different route back towards the woods where we saw more carpets of bluebells, along with primroses, wild garlic and even orchids. By now people were removing outer layers of clothing as the day got warmer. We all agreed it was an excellent day out.
Back at Beatrice and Tony's we enjoyed not only their usual hospitality, but also Sue's delicious tea cakes smoothered in creamy rich butter. Tony had a second helping and the writer - who had enjoyed a cholesterol-laden steak pie at lunchtime - was happily unable to resist two slices of delicious cake. He also apologises for not mentioning this lapse in self-discipline last night. And for not daring to weigh himself this morning.

The Pub
The Roebuck in Sixpenny Handley. The village was quiet and so was the pub. We were the first customers. They had a table big enough for the ten of us and a selection of food that everyone enjoyed. They even had a home made steak pie.

Next Week
Meet at David's for a Keyhaven walk.

The Wednesday Walk 5th May 2010

The Plan
A walk to Fontmell Magna

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trudy, Sue, Ros, Beatrice and Tony H, Diane and Tony R, David.

The Walk
We drove to the car park beside the "high road" to Shaftsbury, overlooking Fontmell Down. From there we had a view down to Compton Abbas village in the valley below. We set off along the downward path, past the disused quarry, and turned off along an almost hidden path that ran along the side of a steep hill on Compton Down. The view of the rolling hills and the Olde English village below was worth a short break. Suitably refreshed, we continued downhill, relying upon Diane to shoo a herd of cows from our path. When we came to East Compton, Trudy was concerned as she was unable to contact the pub to let them know we were coming. Diane stopped a local yokel and asked if the pub was open. "No." he said. So we persuaded him to become a more vocal local yokel and explain. The pub was being refurbished, but there was a tea room restaurant in Compton Abbas village. Trudy made a quick change of plan and we headed towards the tea rooms, following the yokel's directions. It turned out to be a seventeenth century tea room alongside the "low road" to Shaftsbury.
After lunch Trudy led us a short way towards Fonmell Magna before turning back up the hill towards the "high road". The steep climb served to work off the extra pounds we had accrued over lunch. Once again the views were worth the effort. The pink flowers are - I am reliably informed - called Herb Robert. As usual, the excellent photos are courtesy of Trudy.
To end the day, tea and cakes were enjoyed at Beatrice and Tony's.

The Pub
The pub was closed but we enjoyed a good meal at the old Seventeenth Century Tea Room at Compton Abbas village. The food was good, the serving wench was suitably comely (a friendly Hungarian girl) and they had cold beer for the men. A pie would have been nice, but we had no complaints about what they did serve.

Next Week
CHANGE OF PLAN: Meet at Beatrice and Tony's for a Bluebell walk from Garston Woods.