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.