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The Plan
An Arne
walk
The Leader
Wendy
Who Turned Up
Wendy, Trisha,
Sue, Trudy H, Beatrice and Tony H, David
The Walk
The day
started a little overcast, but nothing to deter the Wednesday Walkers. We drove
to the RSPB car park at Arne and walked the Shipstal Nature Trail. We encountered
a little skiff of rain, but nothing serious. We came across one herd of deer close
to our path. They seemed to regard us with some disdain, refusing to walk or
run away from us. “Hey guys, we deer were here first!” We also saw flowers and
birds along the route. Check with Wendy for their names.
After
lunch we were surprised to see more rain as we left the pub. So we called a
halt to the walk and retired to Sue’s for tea, biscuits and excellent home-made
cake generously lashed with butter. Very many thanks, Sue. And thanks to Trudy for the photographs.
The Pub
The King’s
Arms at Stoborough. That’s the one that threatens to sell disruptive children
into slavery, so we behaved ourselves. The food was fine, but the service didn’t
merit a tip.
Next Week
Meet at
1030 at the layby near the Angel. The walk will take in Longham Lakes and lunch
at the Bridge House.
The Plan
Athelhampton
to Tolpuddle
Who
Turned Up
Wendy,
Trisha, Sue, Ros, Trudy B, Beatrice and Tony H, Diane and Tony R, David.
The Leader
Wendy
The Walk
What a
nice bright spring morning we had when we left home. We were almost tempted to
think the seasons had finally clicked back into the right order and winter had
wended its way to wherever it now belongs. However, we were not yet taking any
chances so Tony and Beatrice left their car at the pub in Tolpuddle just in
case things turned wet after lunch.
We drove on
to Athelhampton and parked in the car park at Athelhampton House. Then we
crossed the road, past the unusually named Orthodox Christian Church, continued
through High Wood and along a rather muddy woodland path. After last week’s dry
passage this came as bit of a surprise. We entered Tolpuddle along Southover
Lane and made straight for the pub. After lunch we took the shorter route back to
Athelhampton, walking alongside the river. We arrived at Athelhampton House
just as the rain started! What perfect timing.
We ended
the day with tea and cakes in Broadstone, for which we thank Wendy and Lew.
The Pub
The
Martyrs Inn at Tolpuddle. First of all, we were delighted that Brian was able
to join us for lunch. We don’t see enough of you, Brian. The pub? Well, the
martyrs would probably not be able to afford to eat here. The food was okay,
although they took orders for ham, egg and chips and then announced they had no
ham. The pie eater baulked at paying £11.25 for a pie. One final point. The pub
owners are hardly likely to read this but – just in case – would you please go
to you chalkboard and change ‘”your” to “you’re”. Thank you. The written announcement:
“if your under forty…” made one walker nearly spill his beer!
Next Week
Meet at
Sue’s at 10am for an Arne walk
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The Plan
A walk
from Dammerham to Alderholt
The Leaders
Wendy and
Trudy B
Who Turned Up
Wendy,
Trudy B, Trudy H, Sue, Trisha, Tony H, Jackie, David
The Walk
The air
was cold, but the sun was shining all day. In fact it was an ideal day for a
winter walk. Unfortunately this is supposed to be spring. Mustn’t grumble, it
could be worse. It could be summer!
We drove
to Dammerham and, after some searching, found suitable parking places, one at
the roadside and one in front of a (closed) play school. We then set off
towards Alderholt. The going was good, the ground surprisingly firm and the
conditions dry and bright. The journey took a little longer than anticipated
and it was after one before we got to the pub.
After
lunch we set off along a different return route. The going was good until the
last mile which was muddy under foot. Along the way we took one wrong turn as a
result of inadequate sign-posting. Getting back onto the right track required
us to climb a fence and cross a deep ditch.
We were
glad of a refreshing cup of tea when we got back to Wendy’s. Thank you, Wendy,
for the refreshments.
The Pub
The Churchill at Alderholt. Let's start with the good news. The sweets looked too tempting to be dismissed and most of the walkers indulged, especially when they learned that they came at a knock-down price. The main courses were good value at two meals for £9.95. But the pie was only just good enough. Not up to the best standards.
Next Week
Meet at
Wendy’s at 10am.
