The Wednesday Walk 28th July 2010

The Plan

Corfe Castle to Church Knowle

The Leaders

Trudy and Tony H

Who Turned Up

Trudy, Tony H, Trisha, Diane and Tony R, David

The Walk

We parked in the National Trust car park at Corfe Castle. We were lucky as it became chock-a-block with summer visitors only ten minutes after we arrived. We crossed the road to the take up the footpath to the village, branching off towards Knowle Hill and Cockknowle. The path took us upwards at a steady pace and, within twenty minutes, we were able to look back to see a glorious view of the castle and the village. The weather was pleasantly warm with just enough of a breeze to prevent us getting heatstroke. After an hour of walking we turned onto the gentle slope that led down into Church Knowle village. The New Inn was only one hundred yards away and a welcome site for quenching our thirsts.

After lunch, we took a more southerly route that took us past Bucknowle House. Our only dilemma arose when we came to a field of cows, calves and one hefty-looking bull. He seemed to be occupied with the cows - as bulls are wont to be - but, to begin with, he was right in our path. Fortunately, while we dithered about what to do, his favourite cow moved away and he followed. We quickly crossed behind them into the next field.

The day ended with very welcome ice cream sodas, tea and cakes at Di and Tony's house. Trudy and Leo even ventured into the swimming pool. Many thanks for the hospitality, folks.

The Pub

The New Inn at Church Knowle. The atmosphere was good, the food was good, if a little pricey, but there were no chocolates or biscuits with the coffee. A small criticism when the pies were very tasty and came with oodles of gravy in which to dunk the chips.

The Wednesday Walk 21st July 2010

The Plan
A New Forest walk

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trudy, Wendy, Trisha, Diane and Tony R, David

The Walk
It was an ideal day for a forest walk. While heavy rain battered the north of the country we enjoyed a dry day which was warm without being oppressive, with just enough of a gentle breeze to keep us cool when we came out onto the high ground.
We drove to the Appleslade car park for the start of the walk, a little way short of the Red Shoot. Actually, there was a little misunderstanding about the start point but we will hastily gloss over that. From the car park we climbed a hill which brought us out above the tree line to a plateau where we had a good view back towards the Blashford Lakes. We continued on across the heath and then down towards the ford at Ibsley, where road work was causing something of a problem. From there we walked along the path that took us to the Alice Lisle pub.
After lunch we took a different route back, relying on Trudy's in-built sense of direction that kept us on the right path. Once again the going was good and the weather perfect for a Wednesday walk.

The Pub
The Alice Lisle. We have eaten here before and been satisfied with the food. This time we chose to sit out in the garden where the regular customers would not be upset by one walker crying over the lack of any sort of pie on the menu. Never mind, what we had was good and we all came away satisfied.

Next Week

Meet at Diane's for a Corfe Castle walk.

The Wednesday Walk 14th July 2010

The Plan
We originally planned a walk from Wimborne to High Hall

The Leader
Wendy

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

The Walk
It seemed to be a good plan when we made it, a week ago. At the time we were enjoying some glorious weather and assumed (as one does) that it would continue. It didn't, and those of us with withered and brown lawns were secretly pleased to see the wet stuff descending upon us this morning. We even thought (as the weather forcasters had encouraged us to do) that it might last throughout the day and get worse in the afternoon. It didn't.
Anyway, while gathering at Beatrice and Tony's house, we changed our plans and opted for a walk from Delph Woods to Lamb's Green as the going would be easier and we would have tree cover. The plan was probably wise, but the forward planning was a bit amiss. Diane and Tony agreed to leave their car at Lamb's Green in case of a thunderstorm later in the day, but we were a little late (after Di and Tony had already set off) in remembering that someone had to pick them up and transport them to Delph Woods.
When the problem was belatedly solved, we all booted-up and set off along the well-laid paths and by-ways in weather that was suspicioulsy becoming warmer by the minute. Those of us who set out in raincoats were forced to remove them as the sweat began to roll. By the time we got to the pub, we were in need of liquid refreshment.
After lunch, we took the shorter, more direct route back towards Merley and then joined the Castleman Trailway. From here Tony H, Beatrice and Sue opted for a direct walk back to Wimborne while the four remaining walkers trotted along the trailway back to Delph Woods, still enjoying the warm, dry weather.
Despite the changes of plan, it was a pleasant walk, dry throughout and warmer than we expected. As I write up this report (late Wednesday evening) the rain has not returned and sunshine is streaming through the window. So much for weather reports!
The walk ended with tea and cakes at Beatrice and Tony's and we thank our hosts for their usual courteous hospitality.

The Pub
The Lamb's Green. We have eaten here before and not been disappointed - except when the kitchen burnt down! The food was good and reasonably priced.

Next Week
Meet at David's for a forest walk. Exact route to be decided.

The Wednesday Walk 7th July 2010

The Plan
Lytchet Matravers to Lytchet Minster

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Trudy, Diane, Tony R and David

The Walk
We parked in a layby opposite the Rose and Crown pub in Lytchet Matravers and then headed south, taking footpths that were sometimes narrow between hedgerows and sometimes allowed us expansive views towards the sea. The weather was overcast but remained dry throughout the day. In the open areas we felt the effects of a breeze off the sea and at other times, when sheltered between trees we had to remove out outer coats. Along the way, Wendy directed our attention towards wild outgrowths of foxgloves as well as white blackberries and pink blackberries. No sign of any black blackberries! Too early in the year, said Wendy.
After lunch, we retraced our steps along a slightly shorter route. Then we returned to Diane and Tony's house (they were fresh back from their American adventure) with the aim of a swim in their pool. Unfortunately, while the pool was warm, the air was not. Although Trudy and Tricia took the plunge, the offer of a swim was taken up mainly by children. The rest of us enjoyed ice cream sodas, cakes and tea. Many thanks to our hosts.

The Pub
St Peter's Finger at Lytchet Minster. We've never had cause to complain about the food here and today was no exception. Everyone had a good meal and the pies were excellent. The staff's ability to compute a bill that was easily understood was less evident.