The Wednesday Walk 21st December 2011

The Plan
A walk from Sandford

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Lucy (welcome to the group, Lucy) Sue, Trisha, Beatrice, Tony R, Jackie and David. We were joined at the pub by Tony H.

The Walk
It wasn't a brilliant day but it stayed dry and we even saw a few odd patches of blue sky. We parked the cars outside Sandford school: no problem as the children are on holiday. We then walked out over Morden Bog Nature Reserve. This being winter, the path was somewhat boggy at times, but it was  never beyond our ability to outmanoeuvre the worst bits. The walk was not overly long but very pleasant.
Tony was waiting for us when we got to the pub and he completed the afternoon walk with us.
After lunch we took a shorter route across the heath, past the old decoy building (used to decoy enemy aircraft from the nearby admiralty site during WW2). We then returned to Sue's house for tea and cakes. Many thanks, Sue.

The Pub
The Clay Pipe at Sandford. The food was reasonably priced and very nicely done. The chicken and mushroom pie was excellent and no one felt short-changed by the food quality or amounts on their plates.

The Wednesday Walk 7th December 2011

The Plan
A walk from Delph Woods to Lamb's Green.

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Trudy, Sue, David. And Ros after lunch.

The Walk
A heavy shower in the middle of the morning did not deter the four walkers who turned up at Delph Woods. By the time we set out the shower had cleared although the air was still chilly. We made our way from the car park up to the track of the oldS&D railway line and set off past the golf course. The ground was a bit mucky underfoot but this is winter so we couldn't complain. We cut through to the Higher Blandford Road at Corfe Hills School and then turned off the road again at Rushcombe Bottom to follow the woodland trail. It wasn't the only Bottom on this walk: we also passed a Happy one. We took a short detour along Wayman's Way to see if we could walk through Happy Bottom, but the route didn't allow it. After a short backtrack, we followed our usual route to Lamb's Green. The last bit of Lamb's Green Lane was flooded - as is usual at this time of the year - but nothing to stop us getting to the pub.
Ros joined us shortly after we left the pub. The afternoon route took us past Ashington and along Willett Road, where we had a fine view as far as the Minster in Wimborne. From Willett's Arms we followed the railway trail back down to Delph Woods. The last bit of the route proved to be a bit hit-and-miss but we eventually found our way back to the cars. A very pleasant walk.

The Pub
The Lamb's Green. We've had some very good meals here in the past. Today the chicken pie scored 9 out of 10 (light-as-a-feather flaky pastry, thick pieces of juicy chicken and a nice sauce). Unfortunately the fish scored only 5 out of 10 (more batter than fish and too many bones). Our coffee expert says the coffee did not come up to scratch.

Next Week
Don't forget that next week Wednesday will be onTuesday. The annual Christmas lunch will be at the Pure Drop at 1200 for 1230. There will be a prior walk across Ferndown Common. For details, contact Wendy.

The Wednesday Walk 30th November 2011

The Plan
A walk from Broadstone

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Trudy B, Trudy H, Ros, Tony H, David

The Walk
A day of sunshine and showers: bright and sunny in the morning but a little cloudy in the afternoon. We left our cars at Wendy's house ands set off across Upton Heath. There we picked up the trailway - the old S&D railway line - and followed it south until we turned off along a sandy path over the heathland. The route took us to the Upton Heath Nature Reserve at the top end of Beacon Hill Lane. From there it was a short walk to the pub on the Blandford Road.
After lunch we walked back up the Blandford Road to Naked Cross (on a cool day like today being naked certainly would make you cross) and we then followed the up-and-down track back to the trailway. Along the route we observed the results of a past heath fire that came perilously close to at least one house.
Tea and home made sponge was served at Wendy's. Thank you, Wendy, your cooking was much appreciated.

The Pub
The Holme Bush on the Blandford Road. Six of the seven walkers enjoyed at "two meals for £9.50" deal. The seventh opted for the home made pie. The pictures of it say all that needs to be said.

Next Week
Meet at Delph Woods car park at 1015 for a walk to Lamb's Green.

The Wednesday Walk 16th November 2011

The Plan
Meet at Haskins for a local walk

The Leader
Trudy B

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Beatrice, Sue, Trudy B, Trudy H, David (and Tony from lunchtime)

The Walk
The warm weather we enjoyed at the beginning of November has deserted us now, but at least today's weather was dry and the chilly start soon turned into a mild day. Once again, we met at Haskins Garden Centre and enjoyed tea and coffee as a precursor to the walk. We then shifted our cars to the Poor Common Lay-By. Instead of the taking the Poor Common path, we crossed the road and headed off across Ferndown Common. The going was generally okay but there were a few muddy patches. As this was a short walk, we added in a small detaour at the end before heading across the Ringwood Road to the pub.
After lunch, with Tony now joining the group, we decided on a longer walk that  took us down Award Road and Keepers Lane, eventually returning us to Ferndown Common closer to Longham. It was a pleasant walk, not too arduous and dry throughout the day.

The Pub
The Pure Drop on the Ringwood Road at Ferndown. Some walkers opted for the "Two courses for £5.95" deal while others went for the "Two means for £10 option". The food was good value and we opted to use the Pure Drop for the Wednesday Walkers Christmas Lunch. Put the dtae in your diaries: 13th December.

Next Week
Meet in Wimborne for a White Sheet walk.

The Wednesday Walk 9th November 2011

The Plan
A local walk

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Tricia, Sue, Trudy B, Beatrice and Tony H, David (and Trudy H joined us for lunch)

The Walk
The weather was looking a bit dull in the morning. Fortunately our plans were limited today. We met at Haskins for coffee before parking the cars in the layby close to the Poor Common. We then walked through the woods, through West Parley, past the guide's camp and along the river bank to The Bridge House Hotel.
After lunch we crossed the road to the Longham Lakes and had a pleasant walk around the water. By now the weather was improving and the air felt quite mild.

The Pub
Not a pub today. We ate at the Bridge House Hotel where most of us had a £5 carvery. Very good value for money, as one of Trudy's pictures shows.

Next Week
Meet at Haskins again at 10am for another local walk.

The Wednesday Walk 2nd November 2011

The Plan
A New Forest walk

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trudy B, Wendy, Trudy H,  Beatrice and Tony H, David

The Walk
This week we had to make a valiant effort to do a proper walk. Last week the weather turned against us and the few stalwarts who turned up chose to walk the aisles of Ikea and M&S instead of Dorset heath and valley. This week the forecasters promised us a dry period until late afternoon. Under Trudy's leadership we drove to Burley. As well as New Forest ponies cluttering up the roads, we also noted a line of unescorted pigs apparently seeking out acorns. We drove out along station road (there is no longer any station thanks to Doctor Beeching) past Holman's Bottom and parked alongside the route of the old railway line about a mile beyond the village. We then set out across the heathland, following the railway trackbed until we turned off for a cross-country walk back towards Burley village. Along the way we paused to allow a few berries to drop unaided into waiting bags (we are not allowed to forcibly remove them from the trees but decided we could prevent them getting hurt when falling). We arrived at the pub around mid day.
After lunch we made our way through the village (browsing in the shop windows as we went) and then walked through the grounds of Burley Hill House until we came out onto Church Moor. The sky was steadily getting darker and by the time we got back to the cars we encountered the first drops of rain.

The Pub
The Queen's Head in Burley. There were six of us and the special offer was two main meals for £9.95. Perfect. The pie was chicken and mushroom. The service was prompt. The value for money was good.

Next Week
Meet at Haskins at 10am.

The Wednesday Walk 19th October 2011

The Plan
An Upton Park walk

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Trudy H, Trudy B, Beatrice and Tony H, David

The Walk
Autumn chills are starting to affect us but the day started with a clear blue sky, not a cloud in sight. Perfect for walking. We chose a local walk and left the cars at the entrance to Upton Park. Then we crossed the road to the heathland. We made a few detours along the tracks that took us through trees and marshes before joining the old railway track that took us up to Broadstone. Along the way we managed to scrump some apples which staved off any hunger pangs for one or two walkers.
Tony joined us at lunchtime. From Broadstone we retraced our way down the old trailway and branched off towards the lakes. The reflections on the water made some excellent photographs.
We finished up with tea and freshly baked cake at Sue's house. Thank you, Sue. Delicious as usual.

The Pub
The Blackwater. This is Wetherstone's new pub in Broadstone. The big shock was being able to buy a pint of best bitter shandy for £1.95.  All the meals were good value and the beef and ale pie was excellent.

The Wednesday Walk 12th October 2011

The Plan
The Winterbornes

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Trudy H, Beatrice and Tony H, David (from lunchtime)

The Walk
We parked the car (only needed one today) by St Andrew's Church in Winterborne Tomson. This is a very old church, steeped in hundreds of years of history and, sadly, badly in need of repair. Inside, worshippers are penned up in what look suspiciously like cattle pens. Well, that's how it was done hundreds of years ago. Our route took us round in a curve through Anderson - past the impressive Anderson Manor - and then back parallel with the A31 main road. We walked through meadows and farms, passing the pretty little village of Winterborne Zelston, until we came out on the main road opposite the World's End Inn.
After lunch we took the exact reverse route, pausing for a chat with a cheery farm yokel along the way. His word of assurance to us was that most of the farm's cattle end up in Tesco's. Not alive, obviously! As the A31 was subject to road works and tail-backs, we took a different route home through Lytchet Minster. We finished up with tea and a nice soft sponge courtesy of Wendy. Many thanks, Wendy.

The Pub
The World's End. The first thing that has to be said about this place is that the owner's have a very poor command of grammar. Not one single written mention of the name had an apostrophe... not even the signs hanging outside. The food was okay, but the service was a bit lacking. We received our main courses about an hour after we arrived. Two first courses were wrong and the bill at the end deserved to be challenged by two eaters. A pity, as we have had good meals here before.

Next Week
Meet at Wendy's for a walk from Upton Park.

The (relaxed) Wednesday Walk 21st September 2011

The Plan

Whitecliff to Poole

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Trisha, Trudy H, Beatrice, David (and Trudy B from lunchtime onwards)

The Walk
The morning started a little chilly, but it was dry and bright. We met a Whitecliff car park and walked along the shore to Poole Quay. Three people decided to avail themsleves of the exercise machinery in the park. Whether that was a good idea remains to be seen. About the same time we saw the sail training ship, Royalist, putting to sea. A little farther on we found the viewing area for the new Twin Sails bridge across the Holes Bay narrows. It was the first chance we had had to see how work is progressing. Hopefully, it will be completed before the start of the olympic games next year. We then walked back to the quay and chose The Antelope for our lunch. A quick phone call to Trudy B helped her to join us for the second half of the day.
After lunch we walked up through the town and then down through the park on our way back to Whitecliff. Overall, a very pleasant and relaxing walk, level throughout and not too long.

The Pub
The Antelope at the lower end of the High Street. It was the first time we had patronised this pub and first impressions were favourable. Most of us had the 'Two Meals for £9.95' deal which turned out to be good value. Even the coffee was declared to be "Not bad" which is the same as saying it was pretty good.

Next Week
Diane's birthday tea at Corfe.

The Wednesday Walk 14th September 2011

The Plan
A walk around Frogham

The Leader
Wendy

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

The Walk
The day started cool but dry, ideal for an energetic walk. We drove to our usual parking spot in Frogham, close by Hyde Common. Our morning walk took us on the usual trail west of Frogham, across the common, curving back towards the school and church. We were delayed for a short while by ladies scrumping apples from a well laden tree. The culprits could be seen eating as the walk progressed back onto Hyde Common and so round to the pub.
After lunch we took a venture into unknown territory. We walked down Blissford Hill and then branched left along a path that took us to Ditchend Brook, which we crossed by a small bridge. The land beyond it seems to be known as Newfoundland. It seemed as remote to us as we made our way through fields and overgrown pathways until we reached Stuckton. Trudy's photos show us struggling out of the overgrown trail that ends at Stuckton. From there we struggled back up Frogham Hill, a climb which took the wind out of the sails of one or two walkers.

The Pub
The Foresters at Frogham. The good news is (a) they still do their famous pies and (b) they still taste good. The bad news is (a) the prices have risen steeply and (b) the pub is now closed Mondays and Tuesdays every week, a sign of a pub losing trade.

Next Week
Meet at Whitecliff car park at 1030 for a walk into Poole.

The Wednesday Walk 7th September 2011

The Plan
A walk around Fiddleford

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Diane, Trudy H, Trudy B, Trisha, David

The Walk
The sky looked a little overcast but it was dry so we had hopes of a pleasant walk. We drove to the Sturminster Mill car park. We then crossed the main road and climbed the hill to Piddles Wood. This was a walk we had enjoyed several times before, but in the reverse direction. Wendy noted how the woodland path had been widened since our last visit, making it more easy-going, but less adventurous. From the woods, we walked down to Fiddleford. The inn here had been refurbished since we last walked in this area so our visit was something of a recce.
After lunch we took the route across the fields parallel with the river towards Sturminster Newton. The path was easy going and level and took us right into the town. We had a brief hiccup when Wendy tripped and hurt her wrist. We all hope you will not be too badly bruised tomorrow, Wendy. Once we were in the town, some detours were made through the discount shops.
A couple of times during the day we wondered if the overcast might turn to rain but luck was on our side and we remained dry throughout. We finished off the day with cakes and tea courtesy of Diane and Tony. Thank you both for your hospitality.

The Pub
The Fiddleford Inn. This has to be a good one. For the first time in many a month the pie-eater couldn't finish his pie. The food was well prepared and presented and everone had good helpings. Even the coffee was pronounced to be "pretty good" and it has to be good to pass scrutiny with the Wednesday Walkers.

Next Week
Meet at David's for a pie-fest in the forest

The Wednesday Walk 31st August 2011

The Plan
We intended to walk from Tynham but the military ranges were closed and we could not get to the village. Instead, we opted for an Osmington Mills walk.

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Trudy H, Trudy B, Beatrice, Diane and Tony R, Trisha, Jackie (nice to see you out walking again, Jackie) and David

The Walk
We drove to the hilltop parking area with the glorious view overlooking Weymouth Bay. At that time of the morning the sky was still overcast, but we could see blue skies creeping in from the English Channel. We then took the marked footpath that led us down to the cute little church called St Catherine's by the Sea. That's the one with the etched glass windows. It was being refurbished last time we stopped here. As usual, we took time to sit in the quiet garden and enjoy the view. We then trotted on down to the shore where we saw many small yachts sailing out in the bay. A race? We weren't sure. We stopped at the beach cafe where half the group enjoyed a cup of coffee. The walk on to Osmington Mills was peaceful and pleasant.
After lunch we took the alternative route back up the hill past Spring Bottom. Three walkers opted to stop half way and wait for a car to come back down the hill to pick them up. The other seven trudged on up the steep climb to the car park. It served to wipe away the calories gained over lunch.
It was a very pleasant walk and by afternoon we had blue skies overhead. We finished off with tea and cakes at Sue's. It must be mentiond that Sue is famous for her sponges and, once again, she was well up to the mark deserving of a round of applause.

The Pub
The Smugglers at Osmington Mills. We have eaten here before and never been disatisfied. This time was no exception. The food was good and the only minor quibble was the amount of candle-light we had to see our crossword clues.

Next Week
Meet at Diane and Tony's for a Sturminster Newton walk.

The Wednesday Walk 24th August 2011

The Plan
A Salisbury walk

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

The Walk
Sorry I missed last week's walk in the rain. I was enjoying a party in warm sunshine at the time. Anyhow, today we had perfect weather for a walk. We drove to the Salisbury Park-and-Ride car park. Parking cost us nothing. We then rode on the bus into Salisbury using our free bus passes. Couldn't be better. The bus dropped us in the city centre and we walked out through the shopping mall to the River Avon and followed it as it made its was out of the city. The views were magnificent, covering the cathedral and the calm water meadows. We saw numerous swans on the river, but only two cygnets. We met a minor hiccup where a new land owner has blocked off part of the public footpath. This will need to be investigated. A small detour took us around the blockage and we walked on to Old Sarum in warm sunshine.
After lunch, our route back to the city took us along the Portway path and through the meadows until we got back to the river. From the city centre, our free bus passes took us to the Park-and-Ride car park. All-in-all, a very pleasant walk. We finished off with tea and cakes courtesy of Beatrice and Tony.

The Pub
The Harvester at Old Sarum. We have eaten here before and found it good value. Most of us had the early-bird selcetion. No pies, but no problems.

Next Week
Meet at Sue's for a Tyneham walk.

The Wednesday Walk 10th August 2011

The Plan
A walk to Compton Abbas

The Leader
Nominally Trudy as the rest of us didn't want to volunteer

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

The Walk
With abject apologies to those who live north of the Midlands (where it was tiddling down with heavy rain) we had a perfect day for a country walk. The skies were clear and the sun was shining. We also had enough of a breeze to keep us from getting too hot... well most of the time anyway. We parked by the village pond in pretty little Ashford village. That's reputed to be the highest village in Dorset. We then took the footpath through Shepherd's Bottom (yes, it seems he has one) and Fontmell Wood to Compton Abbas Aerodrome. Along the way we stopped to watch aerobatic aircraft from the airfield practising their distinctly dodgy manoeuvres. Rather them than us!
After lunch we walked over to Fontmell Down nature reserve and took the narrow path along the steeply pitched hillside. One or two people kept their eyes glued to the path for fear of falling down the steep hillside! We went a little farther than we normally go along that path and eventually came back out onto the Ashmore road. We followed the road until we got to Washer's Pit Coppice and then took the steep climb up to Ashmore Wood. From there it was a level walk back to the village. By now, people were stripping off their coats and jerseys as we were so hot from our exercise.
We finished off with tea and cakes courtesy of (and thanks to) Beatrice and Tony.

The Pub
No pub this week. We ate at the restaurant at Compton Abbas aerodrome. The food was good and plentiful and we got to watch the aircraft landing and taking off as we ate.

The Wednesday Walk 3rd August 2011

The Plan
A New Forest walk

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trudy, Trisha, Margaret (welcome to the Wednesday Walkers, Margaret) Wendy, Sue, Beatrice and Tony H, Ros, David

The Walk
Today, we were blessed with beautiful weather and temperatures up in the high twenties. We began by driving to the Long Cross car park near Stony Cross. One or two people couldn't believe their luck with the weather and queried taking a waterproof coat (!). They were quickly talked out of that idea. From the car park we headed north through the woodland including Bramshaw wood. The going was generally easy and we were glad of the tree cover to give us shade from the sun. At Nomansland we went straight to the Lamb Pub.
After lunch we took a more westerly route back through woodland and over open heath until we got back to the cars. By then we were all agreed on it being an excellent walk, but we were thankful we had the woodland shade.

The Pub
The Lamb at Nomansland. We booked a table for nine in the pub garden. It was a riot of colour from the masses of flowers planted around the tables (see Trudy's photos). A glorious setting for an outdoor meal on a brilliant day. The food was good. They even had home-made pies. Probably not the best meal to precede the second half of a sweaty walk, but it was excellent food.

Next Week
Meet and Beatrice and Tony's for a Compton Abbas walk.