The Wednesday Walk 6th July 2016

The Plan

Tarrant Crawford to Charlton Marshall

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Trisha, Trudy B, Trudy H, Jackie, Diane and Tony R (Tony pm only) David

The Walk

I love this walk, especially on a warm summer’s day, and this was a pleasantly warm summer’s day. Hardy’s Dorset was looking its best. We parked, as usual, by the small weir just beyond the church in Tarrant Crawford and walked along the hedgerow path to the tiny church. The path then took us past the ruined abbey and across the main road. The landscape was largely empty as we traversed the fields, past the old vineyard, across the strange raised walkway and on into Spetisbury. The rivers we crossed were slow moving and remarkably clear but we saw no fish.

Spetisbury is an odd-sounding name to the visitor. It comes from the old English words, speht (meaning woodpecker) and byrig (meaning fort). It is home to iron age fortifications called Spetisbury Rings which were destroyed by the Romans in the first century. More recently, in the eighteenth century, St Monica’s Priory was the home to various religious orders. Most of it is now destroyed, but the remains house the Spetisbury village hall. Spetisbury Manor was once home to the local squire and is now a retirement home.

From Spetisbury we walked the old railway track to Charlton Marshall and our lunchtime pub stop. This was where our attention was drawn to two bear-like creatures enjoying the warm weather. And some of the walkers decided to take advantage of the children's playground. After lunch we returned to the cars on a route very close to the outward walk.

Tea was served at Diane and Tony’s house, the cakes baked by Trudy B. Thanks to you all for the refreshments. Thanks, also, to Diane and Trudy H for the photographs.

The Pub

The Charlton Inn at Charlton Marshall. A pleasant environment, two cheerful and helpful waitresses, and satisfactory food all round. No one chose the pie, but the alternatives included over-65s meals at £5.

Next week

Meet at Jackie's house at 1030 for a walk from Lytchett Matravers to Morden.