The Wednesday Walk 31st December 2014

The Plan

Branksome Woods

Who Turned Up

Jackie, Sue, Trisha, Diane and Tony, Wendy, Trudy H and David

The Walk

We had to have a meet on the last day of the year so Jackie rounded us up for a walk down through Branksome Woods to the shore. It was one of those bright winter days with the sun low in the sky… right in your eyes. It was also chilly, but we were all wrapped up warm. A pleasant day on which to celebrate the end of 2014.

The Pub

The Harvester. Good meals and good service from a rather cheery waitress.

Next Week

Meet at Jackie’s at 10am for a Studland walk

The Wednesday Walk 26th November 2014

 

The Plan

A Longham walk

Who Turned Up

Tricia, Sue, Wendy, Trudy B, Trudy H, Tony (morning only), David (morning only)

The Walk

We met in the layby near The Angel and changed into wellie boots. We anticpated a muddy walk. The weather was overcast but stayed dry, which was a blessing. We took the usual route through the woods to Dudsbury. We then followed the bank of the River Stour to the Bridge House Hotel. The path here was muddy and the river was running fast, not surprising after the recent rain. Beatrice met us at the hotel for lunch.
After lunch, only five hardy walkers continued across the road to the Longham Lakes, and only four continued beyond Haskins for the walk back to the cars.

Lunch

We ate at the Bridge House Hotel. The carvery here is very good value at £5.99. The portions are generous and one walker, unable to finish the meal, was given the rest nicely wrapped up for tea.

The Wednesday Walk 22nd October 2014

The Plan

A seafront walk

Who Turned Up

Sue, Tricia, Trudy H, David

The Walk

The forecasters promised us a dry day and they were right. They also warned us that the day would be cold and so we all came suitably dressed. In fact, it wasn’t as cold as we expected and outer coats were removed as we walked. We began at the car park near the Branksome Tennis Club. Then we walked through the woods to the shore at Branksome Chine. A pleasant walk along the shore, and then one steep climb, took us to our lunch stop.
After lunch, we simply reversed our route back to the cars. A very pleasant autumn walk.

The Lunch

No pub today. We ate at the Argyll café alongside the Argyll Bowling Club. By lunchtime, the weather was pleasant enough for us to sit outside. The meal orders included one ham, egg and chips, one fish pie and two steak and mushroom pies. They were all reasonably priced and all very good value. The pies were delicious.

Next Week

Meet 10am at Beatrice and Tony's for a Cranborne walk.

The Wednesday Walk 15th October 2014

The Plan

Canford to Wimborne

The Leader

None needed

Who Turned Up

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

The Walk

We deliberately chose a short walk because of the weather: rain was forecast from lunchtime. It’s a walk we know well, so no map or guidance was needed. We left one car at the pub (in case of heavy rain later) and then parked near Canford School. From here, we walked alongside the river. At the suspension footbridge, we crossed over, discovering just how unstable the bridge is in the process. We then followed the path to the new Riverside housing development.
By the time we finished our lunch, a light drizzle had started. It was nothing to deter such hardy walkers, so we put up our hoods and took the main route back to Canford, following the trail of the old estate driveway. We finished off with tea and cake courtesy of Beatrice and Tony. Many thanks, B and T.

The Pub

The Coach and Horses. The food was good. Five people opeted for a two course deal and one delved heartily into a beef and ale pie. No one as disappointed.

Next Week

TBD

 

The Wednesday Walk 8th October 2014

The Plan

A wareham walk

Who Turned Up

Sue, Trudy H, Jackie, Beatrice and Tony H, David. And Wendy for the morning walk.

The Walk

We parked at the Sika Trail car park, just down the road from the Silent Woman. A straightforward woodland path took us back into Wareham, close by the railway station. A simple walk on which we avoided all the heavy showers forecast for today. Some walkers visited the local butcher for faggots and pies.
After lunch, we walked up past the Wareham Hospital and on past West Mills. We walked under the by-pass road, crossed the River Piddle and followed the Wareham Forest Way. After crossing the Carey Road, we followed the forest trail until it came to the main road near the Silent Woman. It was then a short hop back to the cars. We were lucky to stay dry throughout the walk. As we drove back to Sue’s house we encountered a very heavy downpour. Thank you, Sue, for finishing off the day with tea and cakes.

The Pub

The King’s Head in Wareham. A rather Dickensian establishment but the food was good. No one came away hungry and the pie-eater was fully sated.

Next Week

Meet at Beatrice and Tony’s at 1030.

The Wednesday Walk 17th September

The Plan

Blue Pool to Corfe Castle

The Leaders

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

The Walk

It was another warm day, the sort of day that should have been slotted somewhere into June or July. We parked the cars at a layby on the Furzebrook Road and set off through the woods in the direction on Corfe. A sharp right turn and a steep uphill climb took us onto the trail known as the Purbeck Way. This led us straight into Corfe Castle village, which seemed to be enjoying a resurgence of visitors after the summer holiday period. Most were of our generation and some were Canadian visitors.
After lunch, we walked back to the NT trust visitor centre and then across the railway line onto a path which took us to Norden. We walked through a holiday camp site in order to regain the trail back through the woods. We decided on a detour that took us to the memorial stone erected to the memory of the Creech Barrow Seven. You can read more about them at: http://churchknowle.doomby.com/pages/creech-barrow-seven.html. At this point the heat and the long trail became too much for a small number of our party who waited at the memorial stone to be picked up by one of the drivers. All-in-all, it was a very good walk, rounded off with tea and biscuits at Jackie’s. Thank you, Jackie.

The Pub

The Bankes Arms at Corfe Castle. We ate outside in clear view of the castle and within earshot of the steam railway station. The Canadian visitors also chose this pub garden for their lunch. The food was good, but the pie-eater probably ate the meal destined for one of our Canadian cousins, who had to wait a little longer to be fed.

The Wednesday Walk 10th September 2014

The Plan

A walk to the Claypipe

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Sue, Beatrice and Tony H, Tony R, David

The Walk

Due to a little misunderstanding, the two cars ended up parked in different locations. No real problem. We began the walk at the end of Filluel Road and set out along the track that took us over the Morden Bog Nature Reserve. A walk of about three miles brought us into Sandford and in sight of the pub. The weather was beautiful, calm and just a little overcast.
After lunch we crossed the main road and walked up Station Road past the old Admiralty Research Site. We then turned right onto a path that led us back to the main road near the school roundabout. This is where we heard the sound of loud aero engines overhead and looked up to see TWO Avro Lancasters fly past at low altitude. As there are only two airworthy examples of that aircraft, we were lucky to see them together flying in formation. What a pity we had no cameras this week.
We finished off with tea and cake at Sues. Thank you Sue. Sorry I was still too bloated with steak and ale pie to enjoy your cakes.

The Pub

The Claypipe at Sandford. The first pleasant surprise was the beer. Ringwood Ale cheaper than at any other pub we know of. Then came the meals. All good quality, but the steak and ale pie was a knockout. The large portion came as TWO slices of very nicely home-cooked pie. Quality 9 out of 10. Value for money 11 out of 10. The pie eater was struggling to finish the two slices.

Next Week

Provisionally, we will meet at Jackie’s at 10am for a Blue Pool walk, unless you hear otherwise.

The Wednesday Walk 3rd September 2014

The Plan

The Rodwell Trail

The Leader

Jackie

Who Turned Up

Jackie, Wendy, Trisha, Sue, Tony R, Tony H, David

The Walk

Technically, we’re at the end of our summer but the weather today was perfect for a summer walk. A little early fog and mist quickly burned off to give us blue skies and temperatures in the low/mid twenties. We drove to the Weymouth Park-and-Ride where a £3 fee gave us parking and a bus ride for all passengers to and from the town centre. A short hop through the town took us to the start of the Rodwell Trail, nicely marked by metal men in railway uniforms. The trail followed the old railway line up an incline to Wyke Regis and on to the Ferry Bridge. Along the way, we detoured to Sandsfoot Park where we hoped to find a café, but it was shut. Never mind, we plodded on to the Ferry Bridge and had a drink in the pub before eating our sandwiches while looking out over Portland Harbour. The view was glorious. A cruise ship, Artania of the Phoenix-Reisen Line was anchored in the harbour, part of its Round-Britain tour.
Sandwiches eaten, we walked on to Chesil Beach and climbed the shingle bank to admire the view from the top. Another glorious view for such a beautiful day. We were now into mid-afternoon so we caught a bus back to the town centre and had time for an ice cream before returning to our cars.
Not having had a full meal, four of the group were joined by three wives for a meal at the Table Table pub in Holes Bay, Poole. A very nice ending to a very good Wednesday walk, especially as the pub did a nice chicken and ham pie!

Next Week

Meet at Sue’s for a Clay Pipe walk.

The Wednesday Walk 27th August 2014

The Plan

St Catherine’s Hill

The Leader

Wendy

Who Turned Up

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

The Walk

The forecasters told us persistent rain would arrive by late afternoon. Well, yes, the heavy stuff did arrive after the walk was completed, but we did also have some drizzly rain during the day. We parked just off the Fairmile Road, at the start of the trail to the Avon Causeway. To start with, we took the longer path that skirted the shooting club. Several shots rang out as we passed by, but no one was injured. We followed a path that took us over the hill, along with its views of the lower lying land around the River Avon. Eventually, this path curved to our right and brought us out onto the old railway track. From there it was a straight stroll to the pub.
After lunch we followed along the main railway track until we came out onto Dodmoor Farm Road. We then followed it back to the cars.
The day was made complete with sponge cake and tea at Diane’s. Many thanks, Diane.

The Pub
The Avon Causeway. A bit pricey but the food was good. The pie was very good.

 

Next Week

Plans will depend upon the weather. We will meet at Wendy’s, but wait for a call to find out where we will go.

 

 

The Wednesday Walk 20th August 2014

The Plan

Bickton to Fordingbridge

The Leader

Wendy

Who Turned Up

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

The Walk

An apology is due for the lack of blog posts over the past few weeks. The blog-master was busy at other locations! Today, we expected a cool environment, but in fact it turned out decidedly warm. Maybe the lack of wind had an effect. We parked the cars at the Bickton crossroads and walked down Hern Lane to our first obstruction. The footpath we wanted to take was closed. Undaunted, we soldiered on across the fields and past Flaxfield Farm until we came to a narrow lane that sported afootpath way-sign. Were we on the right path or not? The path was closely hemmed in by brambles and barbed wire, but we made our way along it to Stucton. We now felt more confident about continuing the walk along an open path into Fordingbridge.
After lunch we set out on another route and quickly met another closed footpath. This time we made our way down Frog Lane, across the fields, past the old mill and back into Bickton.
Despite the footpath closures, it was a pleasant walk in warm conditions.

The Pub

The Ship in Fordingbridge. They did a two-course senior citizens menu for £6.95. The three men chose the mushroom provencal starter which was delicious. The main courses were nicely cooked. The ladies then chose creamy deserts high in cholesterol and pronounced themselves well pleased. Overall, we rated the food very good value.

Next Week

Meet at Diane’s at 1015 for a walk over St Catherine’s Hill.

The Wednesday Walk 9th July 2014

The Plan

An Old Sarum walk

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Trudy B, Trudy H, Sue, Ros, Diane and Tony R, Beatrice and Tony H, Colin and David (joined by Olga and Ray for the outward walk)

The Walk

Salisbury! Who doesn’t know Constable’s painting of the Cathedral from across the water meadows. Okay, so we didn’t do that walk, exactly, but we had a pretty good day with our ramble from the city centre to the ramparts of Old Sarum.
We drove to the park-and-ride car park and took the shuttle bus into the city. The square has been completely reset with new paving since we last did this walk. The only other change is the location of the shuttle bus stop. We walked out along the river with the weather hovering between overcast and sunny spells (couldn’t quite make up its mind!). Somewhere along the way we must have missed a turn because we had to climb a fence to get back onto the right path. No bother: we’re all reasonably fit.
After lunch we had the pleasant downhill walk back into the city. After the drive back to Wimborne, Beatrice and Tony kindly hosted the tea and cakes.

The Pub

The Harvester at Old Sarum. The menu at all these pubs is pretty standard and the food is usually good value, especially the free unlimited salads. Today’s selection was a bit of a curate’s egg. Some meals were good, others were a bit iffy. The batter of the fried fish was a definite no-no.

Next Week

Meet at the lay-by near The Angel, Ferndown at 0945.

The Wednesday Walk 2nd July 2014

The Plan

A Bournemouth shore walk

Who Turned Up

Trisha, Sue, Trudy B, Trudy H, Beatrice and Tony H, Diane and Tony R, Colin and David

The Walk

It was a glorious day with clear blue skies and sunshine. As usual we parked near the tennis courts in Leicester Road. We then walked down through Branksome Woods to the shore at Branksome Chine. From there it was a short walk along the promenade to Diane’s beach hut at 25 Alum Chine. Here we stopped for tea and biscuits. Thank you, Diane, but we do need to inform you that the Egon Ronay sign has been stolen from your premises. After our morning cuppa, we walked on and up through the gardens to the Argyle Bowling Club café.
After lunch we took a casual walk back to the shore and stopped at Sue’s beach hut for our afternoon cuppa. Once again it was a pleasant interlude watching the sea and an RAF Hercules dropping its passengers into the water. Best place to throw them! The walk ended back at the car park. Trisha very kindly offered to round off the day with another cup of tea at her house.

The Café

The Argyle Bowling Club café. We have eaten here before but we were pleased to see their menu has advanced beyond the simple “all day breakfast” they have served in the past. The food was good and relatively priced.

 

Next Week

Meet at Beatrice and Tony’s in Wimborne for a walk from Salisbury to Old Sarum.

 

The Wednesday Walk 25th June 2014

The Plan

A breakfast walk

Who Turned Up

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

The Walk

With another warm, sunny day forecast, we were well placed for an early walk taking in breakfast instead of lunch. We met at Pamphill School at 0845 (one or two only just made it because of a serious accident at Canford Bottom roundabout) and set off towards the River Stour. We paused at Eye Bridge to watch the river and then continued on through the allotments into Wimborne.
After breakfast we walked up St Margaret’s Hill and cut across to QE School. From there it was a brambly walk through the greenery back to Pamphill. A very pleasant walk to start the day.

Breakfast

We ate at the Man In The Wall in Wimborne. The large breakfast was £4.60 but well worth the price. Beer at £1.99 was also good value. Beer for breakfast? Well, it was a warm day with the risk of losing bodily fluids.

Next Week

Meet at 0945 at the car park in Leicester Road (near the tennis courts) for a walk along the shore.

 

The Wednesday Walk 18th June 2014

The Plan

Bovington to Moreton

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Trudy B, Trisha, Jackie, Tony H, Tony R, David

The Walk

We parked, as usual, at the viewing area close to Bovington camp, not far from Cloud’s Hill. The army were playing games with their tanks, seemingly testing the vehicles rather than the drivers. We walked past the stone marking the place where Lawrence died and then our walk took us through Moreton Plantation. We continued on to the Jubilee Trail where we crossed the river into Moreton Village.
After lunch we took the shorter route across Bovington Heath back to the car park. Hilly but not so long.
It was a pleasant warm day with an overcast sky in the morning and sunshine in the afternoon. We finished up at Wendy’s house with an unexpected cream tea. Scones, jam and cream served the Cornish or Devon way. And strawberries, and a sponge cake. Very many thanks to Wendy.

Lunch

We ate at the Moreton Tea Rooms. We were told the food would take 45 minutes (shades of last week’s long wait) but it actually came much quicker than that. However, it was expensive, especially the beer at £4.25.

Next Week

Meet at Pamphill at 0845 for a breakfast walk.