The Wednesday Walk 25th February 2015

The Plan

A snowdrop walk

Who Turned Up

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

The Walk

We parked at the usual roadside lay-by just beyond the church at Tarrant Keynston. For this time of the year, the walk up to the little old church was not too muddy. The grounds around the old thirteenth century church were well covered with snowdrops. We managed to get inside to see the remains of the very ancient wall murals. We were also disappointed to see that the collection box had been broken into. A sad statement about the world today, even in a remote country church. We walked on across the fields to Spetisbury and then up onto the old railway track. A short walk along the track took us to Charlton Marshall and lunch.

After lunch we came back roughly the same way, with a small diversion. By now the temperature was up to about 12 degrees so our warm coats became superfluous.

We finished off with tea and a birthday cake at Beatrice and Tony’s. Thank you, ladies, for the welcome refreshment. And a happy birthday wish to Tony.

The Pub

The Charlton Inn at Charlton Marshall. It’s been a while since we were last here. We were pleased to see well-cooked food and very good service. They even put a birthday candle on Tony’s pudding. Worth another visit.

Next Week

Meet at the car park by Pamphill village school at 1045 for a walk into Wimborne.

The Wednesday Walk 11th February 2015

The Plan

A Highcliffe walk

Who Turned Up

Sue, Trudy H, Wendy, David. Joined from lunchtime by Beatrice and Tony H

The Walk

We met at the St Catherine’s car park for a car chare on into the Avon Beach at Highcliffe. The weather was cool but dry, ideal for a winter walk. Being early, we stopped for a cup of coffee at the beach café. We then took the straightforward route past Steamer Point and through the nature reserve to Highcliffe Castle and then on to the pub.

After lunch we took the reverse route with a short detour when we got to the nature reserve.

A very pleasant walk

The Pub

The Globe, Highcliffe. We’ve eaten here before and had no problems with it this time.

Next Week

Meet at Sue’s no later than 1015 for a Dorchester walk

The Wednesday Walk 4th February 2015

The Plan

A Kingston Lacy Walk

Who Turned Up

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

The Walk

It was one of those days when even the brass monkeys would have had their long johns on. Dry but very cold. We met at the Kingston Lacy car park and ensured we were well wrapped up before setting off. In the towns the snow had melted, but here in the country it still lay on parts of the ground. Some of the walks were closed because maintenance work, particularly around the Japanese Garden, which was a pity. However, we managed to complete most of the long walk around the estate and added in an extra short stroll before heading back to the car park. It was pleasing to see the snowdrops out on this walk. We car-shared for the drive into Wimborne for lunch.

After lunch we came back to Kingston Lacy for another truncated walk, caused by paths being relayed. Once again it was dry but cold.

We finished off the day with tea and cakes courtesy of Beatrice and Tony. Many thanks, B&T.

The Pub

The Rising Sun in Wimborne. The food was good and reasonably priced, but there was a long wait for the beef and ale pie.

Next Week

Meet at the St Catherine’s hill small car park at 1015. We hope to car-share for the drive on into Highcliff. If the weather is bad we may walk St Catherine’s Hill instead.