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The Walk
Holmsley
to Burley
The Leader
Trudy B
Who Turned Up
Trudy B,
Trisha, Sue, Tony and Diane R, Tony and Beatrice H, David
The Walk
The
forecasters promised sunshine and warmth. We had the warmth, but the sun was
mostly hidden behind clouds. We parked at the Holmsley Walk car park and set
off towards Burley. Somewhere along the way we may have taken a wrong turn
because we were late arriving at the pub. But it was a pleasant morning walk.
After
lunch we aimed to take a short route back to the cars but the gremlins were now
working against us and confusing our natural sense of navigation. When we met a
large bog, Diane and Tony elected to plough on in the hope of getting back to
the cars quickly. They succeeded – with help! The rest of us turned back from
the bog to find another route. Okay guys, let’s own up to it: we had to ask a
group of schoolgirls where we were! And they were able to tell us exactly where
we were. However, by the time we reached the cars it was after five o’clock.
The day
was ended with tea and cakes at Trudy’s house. Thanks, Trudy, for the slice of
cake you left in my car. I enjoyed it.
The Pub
The Queen’s
Head in Burley (management please add the apostrophe to your signs). We were
late arriving at the pub, for which we can only blame ourselves. But it was not
our fault that we had to wait three quarters of an hour for our order to be
served. Neither was it our fault that Trudy’s meal was of very poor quality and
David’s pie crust was as hard as lead. Diane – blessings be upon her – managed to
persuade the management to refund the cost of those meals. She then gave them a
tip because her complaint was dealt with in a charming manner. So something good
came out of it.
Next Week
Meet at
the Brownsea Ferry beside the Sandbanks Ferry at 1030 and bring a packed lunch.
The Plan
Ringstead
Bay to Osmington Mills
The Leader
Democracy,
with a nudge from Trudy B
Who Turned Up
Trudy
B, Trudy H, Trisha, Beatrice and Tony H, Diane and Tony R, David
The Walk
This
one was postponed from last week because of the weather. Today we had the right
temperature – mid-twenties – and we had the benefit of some high cloud to
shield us from the sun’s rays. But we had no wind. That made the air hot and
humid. However, we parked the cars on the hill overlooking Ringstead Bay and we
set off down the rural path towards the shore, with a brief stop at the little
wooden church. By now we had become aware that the weather conditions were
going to work against us, but we pressed on bravely to Osmington Mills. A cold
beer beckoned!
After
lunch we headed back towards Ringstead. Beatrice and Trisha opted to wait to be
collected at the café, which was probably a wise decision. The remaining six
struggled up the hill to where the cars were parked. We noticed a paraglider on
the hillside who seemed unable to get airborne with the lack of wind. As the
hill got steeper so the hot, humid atmosphere became more of a problem. No one
collapsed in the process but more than one walker was left feeling exhausted.
We
finished off with drinks and cake at Diane and Tony’s house. Being the trooper
she is, Diane helped our recovery admirably with cold drinks and ice cream.
Many thanks, Diane.
The Pub
The
Smuggler’s Inn, Osmington Mills. The pub was not too busy and we sat outside
under an awning. The food was good but a bit expensive and Trisha’s meal seemed
to get lost somewhere along the line.
Next Week
Meet
at Trudy B’s house but watch this space in case the weather turns bad.
The Plan
A walk at
Ringstead Bay
The Leader
Wendy
Who Turned Up
Wendy,
Sue, Trisha, Trudy B, Trudy H, Diane and Tony R, Beatrice and Tony H, David
The Walk
Wasn’t
summer beautiful? All those bright, cloudless days and that warm sunshine. Keep
it in mind because it’s gone now. Today began with low cloud and drizzle. The
Ringstead walk was quickly put on hold and an alternative agreed. We would walk
along the trailway from Broadstone to Wimborne. As a precaution two cars were placed
at strategic points, one at Delft Woods and one at the pub in Wimborne. We set
out in good spirits despite the drizzle. Luckily it did not develop into a
full-blown downpour and we arrived in Wimborne relatively undamaged after a
three mile jaunt.
After
lunch the weather was only marginally worse. However, three walkers opted to
catch a bus back to Broadstone. Two walked to the car at Delft Woods and drove
from there. The remaining five walked the full route back to the start point.
By then the rain was getting heavier. But we did accomplish around six miles of
walking.
We
finished off with tea and cake at Wendy’s house. Thank you, Wendy.
The Pub
The Coach
and Horses, Wimborne. We’ve eaten here before and been happy with the service.
The food was wholesome, reasonably priced, delivered in good time and the
service was friendly.
Next Week
Meet at
Diane and Tony’s at 0945 Depending upon the weather we may try for a Ringstead
walk or something more local.
The Plan
A Purbeck
walk
The Leader
Wendy
Who Turned Up
Wendy,
Trisha, Diane and Tony R, David
The Walk
This was
one of those walks where the journey to it was almost as attractive as the walk
itself. We drove through Corfe Castle village in beautiful sunshine and then on
up into the hills past Kingston village. The Purbeck stone cottages in both
villages were at their best. We parked at the Renscombe car park just beyond
Worth Matravers village. We then walked through Hill Bottom and Combe Bottom
and across the main road. So far so good. And the weather was gloriously warm
and sunny. But then we found the path confusing. Some of the greenery had been
cleared away and the lie of the footpath to Kingston was unclear. We found
ourselves getting deeper and deeper into impenetrable undergrowth. At that
point one of our number took a tumble. She fell onto her bottom amidst the wild
undergrowth, bumping her head and ripping her trousers. We do hope you suffered
no permanent damage xxxx (I won’t cause embarrassment by revealing a name).
Undaunted, our casualty put on a brave face and carried on walking with
flapping torn trousers and a leg showing through. The spirit of the true walker.
After
lunch we took the route past the plantation and followed the south west coast
path back to Hill Bottom and then the car park. Along the way we saw numerous
sheep and cows. We also saw a variety of plants including campion and scarlet
pimpernel (which was actually orange).
The day
finished with a cream tea at Wendy’s. We enjoyed cream and jam on scones while
relaxing with our very welcome cups of tea. Thank you Wendy.
The Pub
The Scott
Arms at Kingston. We ate in the sunshine out in the garden. The food was a bit
expensive (and they had no pies) but we could excuse that in return for the
magnificent view of Corfe Castle and the surrounding countryside.
Next Week
Meet at
Wendy’s at 0945.
