The Wednesday Walk 26th January 2011

The Plan
A walk around Arne nature reserve

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Trisha, Brian, Beatrice and Tony H, David

The Walk
The photographs will give the game away: it was a cold day. A light smattering of rain preceded the walk, but that stopped when we set out. We drove the the RSPB car park at Arne and then walked around the reserve paths. Amongst the sights we spotted was a figure sitting in a seat atop a hill, pointing something long and thin. Wendy took up the quest to find out who or what he was and discovered he was a decoy model of a man holding a gun. Seemingly the idea is to get the Sika deer used to him before he is replaced by a real man with a real gun at the time of the deer population cull. We spent a while in one of the hides, looking out across the harbour with the tide out, and saw a number of deer. While walking the paths, Wendy spotted a deer close by and managed to get a photograph. We then drove to Stoborough for lunch.
After lunch we went back to the same car park and explored other paths around the nature reserve. It was still cold but we were all wrapped up warm. We finished off by driving back to Sue's for tea and biscuits... naughty chocolate biscuits that proved irresistable. Thanks, Sue.

The Pub
The King's Arms at Stoborough. Last time we ate here we were guided into the bar area (did we look too rough in our walking gear?) but this time we manage to get ourselves a table for seven in the restaurant. Most people were happy with the food and the proverbial pie was enjoyed.

Next Week
Meet in Wimborne. The walk route will be notified later.

The Wednesday Walk 19th January 2010

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

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Tricia, Sue and David - joined by Beatrice and Tony at lunchtime.

The Walk
This was our first walk after our delayed Christmas lunch (see Wendy's photos). If we ignore the cold frost that covered our cars at the start of the day, it was an perfect time for walking. Unfortunately, we couldn't ignore the frost and had to thaw out our vehicles before driving to the meeting point at Delph Woods. At least we had blue skies and sunshine all day. Suitably booted and wrapped up against the cold air, we set off through the woods along the woodland trail until we got to the golf course. We skirted the edge of it and came out onto the Higher Blandford Road near Corfe Hills School. We strolled a short distance down the road and then cut back onto the quiet rural trail that would take us on to Lamb's Green. As on a previous occasion we found the latter part of the lane leading to the pub totally waterlogged. Two of us tip-toed around the flooding while the other two walked boldly through the middle... and discovered it was only an inch deep. That proved a useful boot-washing exercise for Wendy who had earlier sunk her boots serveral inches deep in a bog.
After lunch, now joined by Beatrice and Tony, we set off along Brog Street and Candy Lane, which was the original road to Wimborne before the by-pass was built. That pleasant afternoon walk took us back to the car park in Delph Woods. All-in-all it was a very enjoyable walk on a cold but sunny day.

The Pub
The Lambs Green. We have eaten here before on numerous occasions and have never been disatisfied. The inveterate pie-eater opted for a three course meal. The club chairman sensibly opted for a two course meal. And the ladies played an even more sensible game with one carefully-chosen course. Two cryptic crosswords were completed so the group's statin intake must have been meagre!!!

Next Week
Meet at Sue's for a walk to either Arne or Wareham Forest, depending upon the weather.

The Photos
As we had our Christmas lunch only a few days ago - postponed because of the bad weather - I have included the photos here. You can see that we enjoyed ourselves, Marion!

The Wednesday Walk 12th January 2011

The Plan
To walk Branksome Woods and Bournemouth sea front.

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Tricia, Tony H (and Beatrice after lunch) David

The Walk
The weather has changed this week. The frost and snow have completely disappeared and we now have unusually warm days along with persistent rain and drizzle. Fingers crossed we don't end up like the poor people of Brisbane. We opted for one of our Bournemouth winter special walks as it can be reasonably tackled in most weather conditions. We met at the car park just off Leicester Road and then set off through the woods where the air was damp and the ground was wet and muddy. But the rain held off for the rest of the morning. When we got to Bournemouth we stopped at 'Chez Tricia'; a small, friendly, designer cafe on the Bournemouth sea front where we were treated to tea and coffee. The management kindly set out chairs for us on their beach-side veranda with panoramic views of the sea (see photo). Tony's services as a handyman engineer were later called into play when the door locks refused to work (see another photo). After the coffee break, we continued along the sea front to Bournmeouth Pier and stopped for lunch at Harry Ramsdens fish and chip emporium.
After lunch the day  turned damp and drizzly. We walked back along the sea front and stopped at 'Chez Tricia' again, but only long enough for management to put a boot through the wooden veranda floor. Then we continued through the woods to the cars. Trisha kindly invited the walkers to her house for tea and Christmas cake.

The Lunch Stop
Harry Ramsdens did a very reasonably priced Senior Citizens fish and chip special with tea, bread and butter and a sweet. Five walkers wisely availed themselves of the offer. One stuck to his usual pie, but it was well enjoyed.

Next Week
Meet at Delf Woods at 1030 for a walk to Lamb's Green.

The Wednesday Walk 5th January 2011

The Plan
A New Forest walk

The Leader
Trudy

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

The Walk
The weather forecast wasn't brilliant, but at least we were free of snow and ice. Confident that the morning at least would be dry, we drove out through Burley and on to a parking spot that gave us a clear view of the open heathland. Our morning route took us across the heath on the high ground that leads towards Sway. The going was generally good and we met only a few muddy paths.
After lunch the weather forecast was coming into sharper effect with a misty, drizzling rain. We returned to the car park by a different route, growing colder and wetter by the minute. All told, we completed about six miles. As I said, we were lucky to avoid the snow.

The Pub
The Hare and Hounds at Sway. It has a pleasant environment, so we stayed long enough to (almost) complete a few crosswords. The food was good and one walker rated the pie at 9 out of 10. Worth visiting again.