The Wednesday Walk 18th December 2013

The Plan

Our Christmas lunch

Who Walked

Ros, Trudy B, Wendy, Jackie, Pat and Sue

Who Dined

The above plus Trudy H, Brian and Pam, Beatrice and Tony, Angela, Barbara, Diane and Tony, Lew and David

The Walk

The six walkers met at Canford School and walked the trailway into Wimborne where they stopped for coffee before continuing to the pub for lunch. After lunch, rain stopped play so the six were given lifts back to their cars.

The Pub

The Coach and Horses. Before eating we were delighted to be approached by members of the Wimborne Over-the-hill Walkers (WOW). They introduced themselves and admitted to reading our blogs. You’re very welcome to read on, guys. It was nice to meet a group with similar interests. Lunch was a very pleasant gathering with good company, good chat and a good meal.

The Next Walk

No walk on Christmas Day. Meet at David’s on 30^th December for a Breamore walk.

Blatant Plug to the Wimborne Group

One of our members is a novelist. His latest WW1 novel (In Foreign Fields) today reached number 29 in Amazon UK’s list of top one hundred war novels. Find out more at: www.thenovelsofdavidhough.com and let your friends know what Dorset walkers can achieve.

 

The Wednesday Walk 4th December 2013

The Plan
A walk from Lytchett Minster to Lytchett Matravers

The Leader

Wendy

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Jackie, Trisha and David (and Sue for lunch)

The Walk

It was a good day for a winter ramble. The air was mild enough for us to open our coats as we walked. We parked at the roadside in “Conker Lane” - the road near St Peter’s Finger where we gathered conkers not so long ago. From there we walked across country to Foxhills Lane, followed it for only a short distance, and then turned back onto the footpath that took us up to Lytchett Matravers. The route was quiet and the going was generally good. Our only quibble was the state of some of the stiles. They need repair. Along the way we met a countryman with a box of ferrets who warned us of wild boar in the adjacent woodland.
After lunch we took a shorter route back, cutting out Foxhills Lane.  Sorry, no photographs this week as we were short of our two experienced photographers.

The Pub

The Rose and Crown in Lytchett Matravers. Sue joined us for lunch, arriving by car only minutes after we walked into the pub. The menu included wild boar and apple faggots which were very tasty. Only one walker chose a dessert which also turned out to be very tasty.

Next Week

Meet at Delft Woods at 1030.
Anyone missing next week’s walk should look forward to our annual dinner the following week. We will meet at Canford School at 11.00 and walk into Wimborne.

The Wednesday Walk 27th November 2013

The Plan

A walk on Upton Heath

The Leader

Mostly Wendy

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Sue, Trudy B, Trudy H, Beatrice and Tony H, David

The Walk

The day began overcast but dry. We met at a lay-by in Creekmoor, parked our cars and then set off along a trailway that took us out onto Upton Heath. The going was good, the ground dry and the day warmer than we have experienced of late. Our route took us back to Corfe Mullen where we arrived at the pub just a few minutes before they opened.
After lunch we walked down Albert Road (near the pub) turned into a woodland walk and eventually found ourselves back on Upton Heath. From here, Wendy had a guide map which led us across the open heath and back to where our cars were parked.
Overall, a good walk which took us through streets and wild places. Thanks are due to Wendy for tea and cakes and to Trudy H for the photographs.

The Pub

The Dorset Soldier, Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen. They did a good-value deal, two courses for £6.50. We all took advantage of it but only one had the starter. The food was good, worth another visit.

Next Week

Meet in “Conkers Road” at 1030. Go to St Peter’s Finger and take the road just opposite the pub. Park in a lay-by a little way along the road.

 

The Wednesday Walk 20th November 2013

 

The Plan

A walk from Branksome Chine

The LeaderNone needed

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Trisha, Trudy H, Sue, Beatrice and Tony H, David

The Walk

The local weather forecast promised a dry morning and showers in the afternoon. They should have taken a closer look at their charts. It was dry when we parked at the car park in Leicester Road. Okay so far. And there was even a hint that we might have stayed dry. But, as we walked down through Branksome Woods, the rain started. There was a bit of wind on the shore at Branksome Chine but nothing to bother us hardy walkers. We stopped at Trisha’s beach hut for a cup of tea and biscuits (thanks, Trisha) hoping the rain would pass by before we walked on. It didn’t, and it was raining quite heavily as we approached the Argyll Bowling Club café. Hope was in our hearts as we pictured our all-day breakfasts. But hope was all we got. The Bowling club and café were locked up. A notice outside proclaimed it was open seven days a week, but a heavy lock on the gate convinced us otherwise. So we walked on to the nearest Harvester Inn at Durley Chine.
After lunch we climbed up to the Overcliff walk and made our way back through the Argyll Gardens to the promenade. By the time we got back to the beach hut it was raining again, but our day was brightened by a solid semi-circle of rainbow. Three walkers continued the walk back to the car park. Obviously the rain put a bit of a damper on the walk but we had a good outing with lots of exercise.
Our thanks to Trudy H for the photographs.

The Inn

The Harvester at Durley Chine. It wasn’t what we intended but it turned out to be a good option. The service was good, especially when we discovered where in Poland our waitress came from. And the food was well up to standard.

The Wednesday Walk 13th November 2013

The Plan

A Canford Heath walk

Who Turned Up

Trudy B, Trudy H, Sue, Trisha, Beatrice and Tony H, David

The Leader

Trudy B

The Walk

This was autumn/winter weather as it should be. We had virtually clear blue skies and no wind. We came prepared to wrap up warm but, during the walk, some of us had to start removing outer layers. We parked in Francis Avenue, near the Knighton Heath golf course. We then rambled out onto the heathland where we had glorious views right down to the coast at Poole. We saw some remaining evidence of the heath fires from last summer as well as plenty of blooming flora. We came back into civilisation at the Canford shopping centre.
After lunch we took a different route back across the heath, taking one hour and forty minutes to get back to our cars. Along the way we were regaled with entertaining stories, including a risqué way of making a tomato blush. We also heard the tale of a young maiden being straddled by a male stripper at a strip show.
Thanks to the two Trudy’s for the photographs, and thanks to Trudy B for tea and delicious cake at her house.

The Pub

The Haymoor at Canford Heath shopping centre. The food was good and not too expensive. A pie at £4.30 was deemed good value for money.

Next Week

Meet at Branksome by the tennis courts at 10.30. Lunch will be at the bowling club café.

The Wednesday Walk 6th November 2013

The Walk

Corfe Castle

The Leader

Wendy

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Trudy B, Jackie, Beatrice and Tony H, David (Later, we were joined by Sue)

The Walk

Despite a dull, windy day, we drove down to Corfe Castle and parked in the National Trust car park. We then walked across the railway line, through the deserted Norden railway station, and took a circular route that brought us back into Corfe village. This is where Sue caught up with us.
After lunch we followed West Street until we came out on the hill top with a magnificent view of the countryside and also a howling gale. We came to a mud-bath that looked almost impassable, so we doubled back into the village and made our way back to the NT information centre. We were just in time for tea and coffee (and time to start their public jig-saw puzzle) before they closed the shop.
An enjoyable walk to blow away the cob-webs.

The Pub

The Fox in Corfe Castle village. This is a very old establishment dating back to 1568. We had to wander down an alleyway to find our way into it, but the search was worthwhile. We have eaten here before and enjoyed the food. Today, everyone was happy with the meal selection, especially the pie-eater. “Nine-and-a -half out of ten,” he declared. The other half is held in reserve in case we one day find something even better.

Next Week

Meet at Trudy B’s house at 1030 for a walk on Canford Heath.

The Wednesday Walk 23rd October 2013

The Plan

Undecided until we met

The Leader

A joint exercise

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Trisha, Trudy B, Trudy H, Jackie and David
                          

The Walk

After last night’s violent thunderstorms, we woke up to a damp morning, but with the prospect of a dry afternoon. We met at Weatherspoons in Broadstone for coffee and a discussion on what we would do today. The decision went in favour of a walk around the Avon Forest Park. We drove to the service road near the Woolsbridge Roundabout on the A31 and left our cars near the footbridge. After the previous day’s high winds it was no surprise to see the council workforce out clearing the road of leaves. We crossed the bridge into the Forest park and then made our way directly to the St Leonard’s Hotel for lunch.
After lunch we walked back into the park and took a longer, roundabout route through the woodland. By now we were feeling warm and able to discard our coats. The weather forecasters keep reminding us that temperatures are four or five degrees higher than usual for this time of the year. A pleasant walk in improving weather.

The Pub

The St Leonard’s Hotel. When we have previously eaten here, they have served a Wednesday carvery. No longer, and the staff looked new. One girl didn’t know how to handle the cash till which nearly cost Trisha dearly. However, the food was good and the beef and ale pie was excellent. That said, the pie-eater was under observation from higher authority.

Next Week

Meet in Wimborne (to be confirmed) at 10am for a Bryanston walk.

The Wednesday Walk 9th October 2013

The Plan

A Longham walk

The Leader

Ros

Who Turned Up

Ros, Wendy, Trisha, Trudy H, David, with Trudy B, Mark and Lucy from lunchtime.

The Walk

Autumn weather is beginning to make itself felt. The twenty degrees we enjoyed at the beginning of the week is slowly melting away to more normal temperatures for this time of the year. We met at the lay-be near the Angel and walked through Poor Common to West Parley. We then took the path down past the golf course to the River Stour. The water level was lower than we had previously seen it, enabling us to make a detour across what had once been a tributary without getting our feet wet. As we were early at the hotel, we also explored a little of the walks on the opposite side of the river.
After luch we lost Wendy and David but gained Trudy B, Mark and Lucy. The walk took the group back to the starting point.

The Hotel

The Bridge House. A carvery at £5.50 is always good value here. Our apologies to Trudy B and family for not confirming the change of venue.

Next Week

A walk at Studland. If wet Delph Woods.

The Wednesday Walk 2nd October 2013

 

The Plan

A Wimborne walk

The Leader

Tony R

Who turned up

Tony and Diane R, Wendy, Jackie, Ros, David

The Walk

The weather forecast was not optimistic, but the Wednesday walkers are not easily put off. We met at Canford Magna, on the road outside Canford School. Our path took us along the Castleman Trailway alongside the River Stour. When we came to Oakley Hill we turned towards Wimborne. Being early, we allowed the ladies to browse the shops and we popped into the Costa Coffee shop for a spot of liquid sustenance. Then we walked back to the pub.
The rain started as we were finishing our lunch. We waited until it stopped and then walked down to Riverside Park. This was once the site of Flight Refuelling but is now being turned into a new housing estate. The path got a bit muddy as we followed the riverside path but nothing we could not cope with. Finally, we crossed over at the refurbished footbridge. It was raining again as we arrived back at Canford Magna.

The Pub

The Coach and Horses, Wimborne. We studied the Christmas lunch menu while we were here and opted to book our walker’s lunch for 18^th December. Today’s menu was good and reasonably priced. The pie eater declared himself well satisfied with his meal. Several crossword puzzles were completed.

Next Week

Meet at the usual lay-by near The Angel Pub at 1030. We plan to eat at the King’s Head in Longham.

The Wednesday Walk 25th September 2013

The Plan
A Sandford walk

The Leader

None. We made it up as we went along.

Who Turned Up

Trisha, Sue, Beatrice and Tony H, Diane and Tony R, David

The Walk

A very good day for a walk, sunny but not too warm. We drove to Sandford and parked in a cul-de-sac near a gate into Sandford Woods. We then skirted alongside Gore Heath where we were surprised by the colours of the gorse and the flora. We turned back through open fields and woodland bathed in sunshine until we got to Youngs Farm and then took the paths that led us out into the Organford Road.
After lunch we crossed the main road and walked down Station Road past the old Admiralty Research Establishment. A walk through the woods brought us back out onto the Wareham Road and thence back to the cars.
Thanks to Sue for the tea and delicious cakes which nicely finished off our day.
Sorry we have no photographs of today's walk as no one brought a camera. Instead, I've added in a little culinary delight to whet your appetite, something taken from a recipe on Facebook.

The Pub

The Clay Pipe at Sandford. We have eaten here before and found the food to be reasonable quality and fairly cheap.

Next Week

Meet at Canford School at 10.30 for a walk into Wimborne.

The Wednesday Walk 18th September 2013

The Plan

A Dorchester Walk

The Leader

Wendy

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Sue, Trudy B, Jackie, Trisha, Tony and Diane R, David

The Walk

With rain on Tuesday and rain on Thursday, we were lucky to have this intervening dry spell on our walking day. We drove to Dorchester and parked, as usual, near the ambulance station (easily found). We then walked alongside the river, past the hangman’s cottage and past the Sun Inn (where we have eaten before). We continued across open fields and farmland to Charminster and, after asking the advice of a local, chose to use the Gamekeeper as the better of the two pubs.
After lunch we took the route that passed by Wolfreton Manor House (now an old people’s home) and back through sun-blessed fields and pathways until we reached our start point. Along the way, some of our number were diverted into gathering rose hips. We finished off with tea and cakes at Wendy’s… thank you, Wendy.
A very pleasant walk.

The Pub

The Gamekeeper in Charminster. It has changed hands and had been renamed and completely refurbished. We had the choice of the dining room or the bar… and opted for the bar. The service was good, the environment was good and the beer was good. The gammon and chips were very tasty but quite expensive at £9.95, which probably explains why we were the only patrons in the bar area.

The Wednesday Walk 11th September 2013

The Plan

A breakfast walk from Pamphill

The Leader

No volunteers

Who Turned Up

Jackie, Sue, Trudy B, Tony and Beatrice H, Tony and Diane R, David

The Walk
The forecasters predicted a dry morning and wet afternoon so it made sense to enjoy another breakfast walk. We met in the car park at Pamphill at 9am and walked down Abbott Street. We then branched off along the narrow lane called All Fools Lane until we came to Sandy Lane. We then cut across the fields along a path that took us to Poplar Farm. From here we took the Cowgrove riverside path to Eye Bridge. It was then a short but steep walk back up to the car park.

Breakfast

We had planned to eat at the Cowgrove café but it was too busy. The tables were taken up by mid-morning coffee-drinkers, leaving no room for hungrey breakfast walkers. We resorted to plan B and drove into Wimborne to eat at Wetherspoons Man-in-the-Wall. Breakfasts here are big, relatively cheap and can be accompanied by beer or wine. No problem.

We dispersed at mid-day to rest through the afternoon prior to a barbecue at Diane and Tony’s this evening.

Next Week

Meet at Wendy's at 0945.

The Wednesday Walk 21st August 2013

The Plan

A Wareham walk

The Leader

Wendy

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Tricia, Trudy B, Trudy H, Beatrice and Tony H, Jackie, David, and Sue from lunchtime onwards

The Walk

We parked in West Street in Wareham and set off through the car park to join the ancient town walls overlooking the River Piddle. Well, what else would you call a stream? We followed the walls around until we joined the walk through North Bestwall Woods. At the far end, we crossed West Coppice and walked back parallel to the River Frome. Back in the town we made for the Black Bull where Sue was waiting for us.
After lunch we drove to the Blue Pool where Jackie kindly arranged a cream tea to celebrate her retirement. We were pleased to see other friends join us for the occasion. We enjoyed tea, sandwiches and cream scones before making a circuit of the pool.
A most enjoyable day with special thanks due to Jackie for her afternoon treat. We all enjoyed it to the full.

The Pub

The Black Bear in Wareham. The food is good and reasonably priced.

 Next Week

Meet at Beatrice and Tony’s at the usual time for a High Hall walk.

Other News

1.     David and Fionnuala are to become grandparents again in 2014.
2.     If you are thinking of a China holiday, you might like to look first at Colin’s blog: http://smokeytower.wordpress.com/

 

The Wednesday Walk 7th August 2013

The Plan

A Fordingbridge walk

The Leader

Wendy

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Sue, Jackie, Trudy B, Ros, Trisha, Tony and Beatrice H, Tony and Diane R, David

The Walk

The day was pleasantly cooler than we’ve known it of late. We parked as usual at the Bicton crossroads and set off through the fields and pathways to the east of the main road. We found one path that had collapsed into a river but managed to get past it without too much bother. When we came off the path at Stucton we found a notice telling us the route was closed. We then continued north past the cemetery until we hit the main road and turned off into Fordingbridge. As we were early the ladies did a bit of window shopping before we arrived at the pub.
After lunch we walked through the churchyard and followed the path down to Bicton Mill. Then it was only a short walk back to the cars.
The day finished with cream teas.

The Pub
The Ship in Fordingbridge. Most of us enjoyed a two-course meal for £6.95. The food was tasty and good value for money.

Next Week

Meet at Wendy’s at the usual time for a walk at Sutton Poynz.

The Wednesday Walk 31st July 2013

The Plan

A walk to Old Sarum

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Trisha, Jackie, Trudy H, Tony and Beatrice H, Olga, David
(Joined by Ray at the pub)

The Walk

After such brilliant sunshine over the past few weeks, today we faced the reality of low cloud. However, it was warm and humid. We drove to the Park and Ride outside Salisbury and used our free bus passes to get into the city. After a short walk we met Olga who then walked with us across the meadows to Old Sarum.
Ray was waiting for us at the pub… nice to see you again, Ray.
After lunch we came back across the meadows to the city. The weather turned a bit windy but didn’t spoil our enjoyment of the walk.

The Pub

The Harvester at Old Sarum. We’ve eaten here before and never been disappointed.

Next Week

Meet at David’s at 10 am for a walk to Fordingbridge.