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The Plan
An Arne walk
The Leader
Wendy
Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Trudy H, David.
(Ros joined us for the morning walk. Jackie, Pam and Brian joined us for lunch)
The Walk
It’s amazing that we are still in March and yet we are enjoying weather that would be welcome in full summer. We drove to the RSPB car park at Arne where we met Ros. We began the morning by walking past Arne church and on through Big Wood to Shipstal Point. We then strolled along the shore where the water was flat calm. Along the way we saw a variety of deer – with and without antlers. We also stopped at a hide to watch the birds. And, yes, we also saw flowers, including primroses and daffodils.
After lunch we returned to the car park and took the Shipstal Nature Trail. This was a shorter walk to round off the day, ending up with a magical view of Corfe Castle in the distance. It was a superb walking day and very nicely finished off at Sue’s with a welcome cup of tea and a huge chunk of chocolate cake. Thank you, Sue.
The Pub
We drove to the Halfway Inn for lunch where we met Jackie, Pam and Brian. The atmosphere was very pleasant and the food was good. Trudy was more than content with two pies, but the professional pie-eater could have tackled a third.
Next Week
Meet at Jackie’s at 10am for an Athelhampton walk. (D to pick up W at 0940)
A walk from Tarrant Keyneston to Charlton Marshall
The Leader
Trudy
Who Turned Up
Wendy, Trudy, Sue, David
The Walk
Only four people turned up for today’s walk which was a pity as it was a glorious day to be out in the sun. We parked at our usual spot in a lay-by beyond the church in Tarrant Keyneston. We then followed the line of the River Tarrant, past the old church and on towards Spetisbury. Here we wandered around the old churchyard before we climbed up to the line of the old Somerset and Dorset Railway – now a footpath – and headed towards Charlton Marshall.
After lunch we planned on following a bridleway - marked on the map and also marked with a signpost beside the Charlton Marshall church - that would take us across the River Stour. But the path terminated at the river with no way across. A funeral was being conducted inside the church. We asked the coffin bearers waiting outside, but they couldn’t tell us why the bridleway came to a dead end at the river. Disappointed, we elected to follow the reverse of the morning’s route back to Tarrant Keyneston. We shouldn’t actually be disappointed as it was a very pleasant walk and the weather was perfect. Normally, we are able to show you photographs of the walk. This week, those of you who are registered as my Facebook Friends can also see a short video clip on FB.
The Pub
The Charlton Inn at Charlton Marshall. This place has been refurbished recently and it has a very pleasant atmosphere inside. They do a carvery for £6.95 (or £4.95 if you want only a small portion). The pie-eater chose the full size carvery and was bloated by the time he had eaten it. What more can we say?
Next Week
Meet at Sue’s at 10am for an Arne walk.
The Plan
A Blashford Lakes walk
The Leaders
Wendy and Trudy B
Who Turned Up
Wendy, Trudy H, Trudy B, Ros, Sue, David
The Walk
I must begin this account with a plea of innocence. One of the first ladies to arrive at the meeting point announced: “I found a strange coat hanging from my wardrobe.” She followed up this statement with the question: “Is it yours, David?” I have made my plea and now place myself at the mercy of the jury.
The day started overcast with the prospect of sunshine later. We drove to the car park north of Poulner, between Kingfisher Laker and Northfield Lake. From here we walked to the Blashford Lakes Study Centre and spent a while in a hide watching the birds. As usual there was a rich variety of different birds feeding. We then walked on to the Alice Lisle Pub. It was pleasing to note that styles have been replaced by gates in that area and we did not have to tackle a single style in the entire walk. Numerous flowers were encountered including periwinkles.
After lunch, we headed up onto Rockford Common. By now the sun was shining and outer coast were discarded as we took a very pleasant walk around the open moorland. Our walk then took us back to the car park at Poulner. A very pleasant day out.
The Pub
The Alice Lisle. We have eaten here before and enjoyed it, but this time we were somewhat disappointed. The food and drink were expensive and not entirely up to scratch. The chips were greasy and the pie crust was greasy.
