The Wednesday Walk 30th March 2011

The Plan
The Wareham walls

The Leader
Wendy

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

The Walk
There is not much to write about today because the weather forecasters got it wrong again. We expected light showers in the morning and a brighter afternoon. In the event we had rain - light and heavy - throughout the day. That is not entirely bad as our gardens needed the rain after so many dry, bright days. But we didn't need it today.
We delayed our departure from Wendy's and drove to the Courtyard tea rooms with the expectation that things would improve. They didn't, so we browsed around the craft shops and then we set off towards Wareham  for an early lunch. The King's Head couldn't accommodate us (too many others sheltering from the rain) so we tried the Horse and Groom, a new venue for us.
After lunch it was still raining so we trudged around the shops in Wareham and then headed back to Wendy's for a welcome cup of tea and biscuits. The only one benefit to the change of plan was Trudy who bought wool to knit a scarf.

The Pub
The Horse and Groom in Wareham. A very basic pub but the reception was friendly and the meals were satisfying and cheap.

Next Week
Meet at Wendy's for a trip to Osmington Mills (Dorchester if wet)

The Wednesday Walk 23rd March 2011

The Plan
Alderholt to Damerham

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Tudy B, Trudy H, Sue, Trisha, David, Beatrice and Tony (morning walk and lunch only)

The Walk
What a glorious day for a walk. Wall-to-wall sunshine and a temperature of around seventeen degrees. Warm enough but not too hot. We parked as usual by St James Chruch Alderholt, where the graveyard was a riot of yellow flowers. Then we set off across green fields overlaid with a sense of rustic peace. We all began wearing coats of one sort or another - well, it is March after all - but had to take them off along the way. The ground was hard and dry so the going was firm along most of the route. The only hindrances were the stiles.
After lunch we headed back along a route that brought us out on the main road closer to Alderholt village and then cut across the fields on a semi-circular path to bring us back near the churchyard.
It was a very pleasant walk with views of numerous blooming flowers. Thanks once again to Beatrice and Tony for their hospitality.

The Pub
The Compasses at Damerham. The food was basically good but some of the chips had too much salt, leaving Trudy and Sue gasping for an ice cream. Sadly, they couldn't get one at the village shop.

Next Week
Meet at Wendy's at 10.00 for a Wareham Walls walk.

The Wednesday Walk 16th March 2011

The Plan
From Wimborne to High Hall

The Leaders
A joint effort involving Wendy, Trudy and Tony H

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Trudy 1, Trudy 2 (pleased to see you join us again, Trudy), Tricia, Sue, David, Beatrice (am) and Tony (pm)

The Walk
After two beautifully sunny days, this morning began dull and overcast. We met at Beatrice and Tony's house and walked from there to the Walkford Mill for tea and a look round the mill. Then we set out along Long Farm Close, past Catley Copse and so to High Hall. The ground was dry and generally firm. From High Hall we went to Furzehill and The Stocks pub for lunch.
We were delighted to see Brian and Pam join us for lunch, making a grand total of ten at the table. Tony also joined for lunch and the afternoon walk. Beatrice left us at the end of the meal.
The sun had come out by the time we left the pub. We took the country route down past Dogdean, Dumpton School and Burts Hill before arriving back at Beatrice and Tony's house. Beatrice had, by now, tea and cup cakes ready and waiting for us. Many thanks, Beatrice.

The Pub
The Stocks at Furzehill. The food was plentiful and good. Beatrice was also able to negotiate a rebate for four of us, using a coupon. With such a large group, the company was in good form.

Next Week
Alderholt to Damerham

The Wednesday Walk 9th March 2011

The Plan
Bovington to Moreton

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Trisha, Sue, Ros, Tony H, David (joined by Beatrice at lunchtime)

The Walk
The weather wasn't quite as bright as last week. We had some blue sky but about four eighths cloud as well, and a hint of wind. We drove to the viewing car park between Bovington Camp and Clouds Hill (T E Lawrence's cottage). From there, we took the woodland footpath up to Cloud's Hill and then headed down towards Moreton Plantation. We had to follow the road for a short distance before turning into the plantation proper. The views of open countryside and heathland were worth the walk. Thankfully, the weather stayed dry and even got warmer as the day wore on. We came across a disreputable traveller's camp at one point but managed to circumnavigate it without any trouble. We arrived at Moreton to find Beatrice waiting for us by the river footpath bridge.
After lunch we diverted briefly to look at the church (with its cut glass windows) and then we headed back along the path called Moreton Drive. Our plan was to come out of the planation by the car park. A slight misjudgement brought us back at Cloud's Hill. No problem. It was still a most enjoyable walk. Wendy was drawn to take one of the photographs when we came to a field of daffodils.
Back at home, Wendy also prepared tea and cakes to celebrate Trisha's birthday. Our thanks go to Wendy and our Happy Birthday greetings go to Trisha.

Lunch
We had lunch at the Moreton Tea Rooms. These are now under new ownership and we decided to test the quality. The only pie was a fish pie, but that was not a major problem. The food was wholesome and we had no complaints.

Next Week
Meet at the usual time at Beatrice and Tony's for a walk to High Hall.

The Wednesday Walk 2nd March 2011

The Plan
To complete last week's plan

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trudy (1), Trudy (2), Sue, Trisha, Tony H, David,
Joined by Wendy and Beatrice at lunchtime.

The Walk
It was a chilly day, but on the plus side it ticked all the boxes for a pleasant walk:
Wall to wall sunshine (tick)
A level route (tick)
No stiles (tick)
Flowers coming into bloom (tick)
Not to be put off by the chilly air, one of the photographs shows that we were all able to cast off our heavy coats by the end of the day.
We parked by the church in Wimborne St Giles and headed off across country towards Gussage All Saints. We took the route we had planned on last week (but were deterred by the heavy rain) and came back via Harley Down. Wendy and Beatrice arrived at the pub just after us and joined us for the afternoon walk back to Wimborne St Giles.
For today, we were joined by Trudy (2) making her debut walk with us. We hope you enjoyed the experience and that we will see a lot more of you on these walks, Trudy.
Once again, thanks to Beatrice and Tony for hosting the tea and cakes.

The Pub
The Drovers at Gussage All Saints. A bit more expensive than last week's meal at The Horton Inn, but the food was good, including the pies. Note that three people had pies this week. The influence is growing!