The Wednesday Walk 25th May 2011

Thanks to Diane for this week's write-up

The Walk
A stroll around Wareham

The Leader
Wendy

Who turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Ros, Diane Tony,Trudy1 and Trudy2.

The Walk
We parked by the Police Station and set off up the grassy track on top of the wall.We stopped to admire the views across the river. The sounds of a distant cuckoo, the rustling of the rushes and flowering foxgloves added to the beauty of the walk. As we approached the church a foreign gentleman offered to take our photo (leaving his charge in a wheelchair in the middle of the road!)
Off we went to our lunch stop at the Horse and Groom. After our refreshments we crossed the causeway to Melancholy Lane. Our way took us through the tiny village of Ridge. The fields beyond were a sea of waving buttercups (Eat your heart out Wordsworth). As we neared the river some of the more observent of the group saw three large deer - or was it the drink having an effect? This path by the water is particularly pretty with colourful boats and distant views of the Purbecks. We reached our cars by the grass covered wall and set off for our tea at Wendy's. The passion fruit and mango roll was delicious. Thanks Wendy.

The Pub
Very good tasty food and not at all expensive. We all ate for about £5. The pie eater missed a steak and kidney pie (shame!!)

Next Week
Meet at David's for a walk from Minstead.

The Wednesday Walk 18th May 2011

The Walk
Mudeford

The Leader
None needed. We all knew the way.

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

The Walk
We met at Haskins Garden Centre before driving to Avon Beach car park at Mudeford. The weather was not as good as we have enjoyed in previous weeks but at least it stayed dry. We walked along the shore to Mudeford then climbed the cliff path to the town and made our way to the pub.
After lunch we took the cliff top route through the Steamer Point nature reserve back to Avon Beach. It was a generally relaxed walk with no one rolling underneath gates and no one getting hopelessly lost.

The Pub
The Globe at Highcliffe. Let me say first of all that the chicken pie was very tasty. I want to get that out of the way before announcing that the three people who had minute steaks were disappointed. One was given a replacement steak. The other two had their money refunded without having to ask for it. That simple act of customer care makes us happy to return to the Globe again. Well done to the waitress concerned.

Next Week
Meet at Wendy's at 10am for a Wareham walk.

The Wednesday Walk 11th May 2011

The following write-up courtesy of Diane

The Plan-
A walk around Morden

The Leader
Tony H

Who Turned Up
Five headless chickens: Tony R,Tony H, Beatrice, Diane and Sue.

The Walk
The five headless chicken were driven by Tony R to Morden taking the scenic route round and round various country lanes. Eventually by mutual consent the five headless chickens decided to park at The Cock and Bottle and do the whole walk before lunch. Armed only with an ancient book of walks and no map they set off for a circular route around East and West Morden. this presented the flock with an hilarious morning, scrambling over stiles and under gates.At one point it looked as if a helicopter had been called out, but the flock pressed on regardless enjoying the scenery in the cloudy but dry conditions.Herds of galloping cows, nosey alpacas and cockerels were admired and photographed. Dishevelled from the assault course the flock finally arrived back at the pub for a welcome drink and lunch.

The Pub
The Cock and Bottle was expensive for both food and drinks, however the quality was very good and everyone enjoyed their choice.

The Wednesday Walk 4th May 2011

The write-up this week courtesy of Diane

The Plan
Bicton to Fordingbridge

Who Turned Up
Diane, Tony, Sue, Trish and Wendy

The Leader
Wendy

The Walk
We parked at Bicton crossroads and crossed a field to Stuckton admiring the ponies on the way. The lane was beautifully lined with cowparsley and our way continued by a steam.Shortly we joined Hern Lane and followed this crossing the road into Fordingbridge. The shop windows had plenty to admire as we made our way to the Ship for lunch.
After our refreshments we headed down the street crossing the Stour and later admiring the swans with their signets. We all (except Sue that is) heard our first cuckoo. Perhaps Diane doesn't need a hearing aid after all! As we approached Bicton Mill we saw some black swans.
The hamlet of Bicton looked particularly pretty with their thatched cottages surrounded by a riot of colour form labernum trees, roses and horsechestnut This route led us back to our car. Afterwards we all enjoyed tea and cakes at Diane and Tony's

The Pub
The Ship had their usual offer of two courses for £6.99, which as always was excellent for quality and value and was enjoyed by all.

Next Week
Meet at Diane and Tony's 10.00am for a walk to Hengistbury Head.