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.

The Wednesday Walk 28th January 2015

 The Plan

A Ferndown Common walk

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Sue, Beatrice and Tony H, David

The Walk

We met at the lay-by just beyond The Angel at Longham. The sky was looking dark and damp at the time but we decided to go ahead with the walk across the common. The ground was a bit wet at times but nothing that would deter a serious Wednesday Walker. We even extended the walk to give us a full measure of pre-lunch exercise.

After lunch, the clouds cleared away to bright blue sky so we again extended our route back across the common. We finished up with tea (and biscuits for some) at the Barrington café in Ferndown.

The Pub

The Pure Drop. We have eaten here before and had a decent meal at a reasonable price. They did pies but, for once, no one opted for that choice. Nevertheless, we all came away satisfied. The most unusual dish was a twelve inch sausage, which seemed to slip down well.

Next Week

Meet at Kingston Lacy at 1045.

The Wednesday Walk 7th January 2015

The Plan

A Studland walk

The Leader

Jackie

Who Turned Up

Jackie, Trisha, Sue, Trudy B, Ros, Beatrice, David

The Walk

The forecast was for a bright morning and rain half way through the afternoon. Hoping we’d get the walk finished before any rain appeared, we parked in Heath Green Road in Studland Village. From there we walked up over Back Down with a glorious view back over Agglestone Rock, with Poole Harbour beyond. The path was steep as we wound our way on up to the golf club. Undaunted we continued upwards over Godlingston Hill and down the other side. Rather tired, we arrived at Ulwell, on the outskirts of Swanwage.

After lunch, three walkers opted to walk back to Studland. The other four remained in the pub to enjoy a cup of coffee before catching the bus back. Five minutes later, the three walkers returned to the pub as it was raining heavily. More coffees were ordered and we all caught the 1431 bus back to Studland.

Thanks to Jackie for organising the walk and providing the hospitality.

The Pub

The Village Inn at Ullwell. A nice décor was complemented by good food. A bit pricey, but a pleasant experience.

Next Week

Meet at Delph Woods for a walk to The Lamb’s Green.

The Wednesday Walk 31st December 2014

The Plan

Branksome Woods

Who Turned Up

Jackie, Sue, Trisha, Diane and Tony, Wendy, Trudy H and David

The Walk

We had to have a meet on the last day of the year so Jackie rounded us up for a walk down through Branksome Woods to the shore. It was one of those bright winter days with the sun low in the sky… right in your eyes. It was also chilly, but we were all wrapped up warm. A pleasant day on which to celebrate the end of 2014.

The Pub

The Harvester. Good meals and good service from a rather cheery waitress.

Next Week

Meet at Jackie’s at 10am for a Studland walk

The Wednesday Walk 26th November 2014

 

The Plan

A Longham walk

Who Turned Up

Tricia, Sue, Wendy, Trudy B, Trudy H, Tony (morning only), David (morning only)

The Walk

We met in the layby near The Angel and changed into wellie boots. We anticpated a muddy walk. The weather was overcast but stayed dry, which was a blessing. We took the usual route through the woods to Dudsbury. We then followed the bank of the River Stour to the Bridge House Hotel. The path here was muddy and the river was running fast, not surprising after the recent rain. Beatrice met us at the hotel for lunch.
After lunch, only five hardy walkers continued across the road to the Longham Lakes, and only four continued beyond Haskins for the walk back to the cars.

Lunch

We ate at the Bridge House Hotel. The carvery here is very good value at £5.99. The portions are generous and one walker, unable to finish the meal, was given the rest nicely wrapped up for tea.