Walk Reports 2026/2
MILEATERS OUT AND ABOUT… 21st August 2026
In praise of the Ordnance Survey app Friday 21st August dawned sunny but cooler, so it was a relieved group of 15 Mileaters, and 3 dogs, who set out from the Affpuddle Car Park just after 10.00 am, for a wander in the woods of Affpuddle and Pallington Heaths, around Culpepper’s Dish. The walk was planned in the blazing heat of the previous fortnight, with no let-up in sight. Where to go that might offer shade? The map on the Ordnance Survey app identified a large swath of woodland around Culpepper’s Dish, un-walked by the Mileaters for some time. The chosen route, one of many shown, took us across short stretches of open heath, briefly along a quiet road, but mainly along shady woodland paths. We paused to look at Culpepper’s Dish, a huge natural swallet hole 90 metres across and 40 metres deep, before making our way in a westerly direction along wide tracks. Refreshments were consumed just short of the halfway point where the track widened and offered a patch of grass. We continued west, then north, across the heath with views across the valley of the River Frome, to the western end of the Purbecks. We then turned back east, through the woods, to the car park, where having walked around 5 miles, with only a few short climbs, we enjoyed a picnic lunch before heading home. If you are looking to find a walk, locally of further afield, I recommend the Ordnance Survey app, it offers routes for a range of activities and all abilities.
Martin Fitzgerald
Despite the forecast of high temperatures, 18 walkers/diners and 4 dogs started (and finished) our walk: a gentle 'stroll' through river meadows, heath, forest and along country lanes east of Wool. The strange postbox was of interest at our 'hydration break'. The mud pit which proved quite an obstacle on our previous walk here many years ago was non-existent unsurprisingly. Most walkers were grateful for the rather flat nature of the walk and the shade. Our first choice of pub - the Black Bear in old Wool- had changed hands and no longer served food. The Ship Inn, however, was a revelation to most: great service and good food. The large serving of cheesy chips, however, proved too much for two of our walkers. I suggested they handed them out alongside the road after lunch.
Phil 11th August 2026
Mileaters 29th July 2026
When, weeks ago, Sue, Louisa and Linda were planning their July Mileaters walk it seemed impossible that hot weather would still be an issue. Another heatwave, in July, at the start of the tourist season? Not likely! So a local circuit starting from near Hardy Monument was planned, to finish with a hike up the rather exposed and shadeless Valley of Stones. It was not to be. Last minute discussions resulted in an early 8.30 start and a revised, shorter route through the Black Down woods and along the Jubilee Trail, to include more stretches of shade and frequent (and fashionable) hydration breaks. Eleven hardy souls braved the heat and undertook the walk, which was still a respectable almost 5 miles in length. A picnic was planned for the end of the walk and at the last moment a knight in shining armour appeared; Richard proposed that rather than picnicking in the sun near the Stone Circle car park we adjourn to the very welcome shade of his back garden. Sue joined us bearing welcome fruit and chilled water and Celia arrived home glowing from a swim in the sea to find a group of hot, thirsty, but happy walkers ensconced outside her summer house.
Linda Scotts.
