The Wednesday Walk 8th February 2017

The Plan

A Wareham Forest walk

Who Turned Up

Jackie, Trisha, Wendy, Ros, David

The Walk

The day started so well with clear blue skies and no wind. Perfect for a country walk. We parked at the Sika Trail car park and set off along a pleasant forest walk

That took us to Sandford. After lunch the cloud closed in. It stayed dry but the bright edge was gone from the day. However, we retraced our way back through the forest and enjoyed the tranquillity of the scenery.

Our thanks to Jackie for tea and biscuits at the end of the walk.

The Pub

The Sandford. Most of us chose the carvery. It was okay but not quite up to the Bridge House standard. Best of all, though, we got to complete the Telegraph crossword.

Next Week

Probably meeting at Kingston Lacy but wait to see what the weather is like.

The Wednesday Walk 1st February 2017

The Plan

Avon Heath Country Park

Who Turned Up

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

The Walk

We timed this well, starting the walk shortly after the morning period of rain had passed over and finishing before the afternoon one arrived. It was a walk postponed from last week because of bad weather. We parked in the service road alongside the A31 and close to the footbridge over the dual carriageway which took us right into the park. Critics will notice that we avoid car parking charges when we use this starting point, but we excuse ourselves on the basis of being pensioners. Fair dos? We followed an interesting footpath until we met a lady strimmer (a lady who was strimming the vegetation… okay?). She was able to point us in the direction of the visitor centre. After lunch we easily retraced our steps back through the park to the footbridge.

The Pub

The St Leonards. This is the pub with the fighter pilot’s wall. It’s annotated with the signatures of pilots of various nationalities who flew and fought from nearby aerodromes during WW2. Here, you’ll see the names of some well-known pilots including Guy Gibson (of dambuster fame), ‘Catseyes’ Cunningham, ‘Sailor’ Malan, Douglas Bader (the legless fighter pilot) and Johnnie Johnson. The food was good and served quickly. No complaints.

Next Week

Meet at Jackies at 1015.