Walk Reports 2026/2
The MILEATERS out and about…
MILEATERS WALK February 26th
After two days of dry weather we were hopeful, as we met at the village green to depart for our start point at the National Trust car park at Corfe Castle. It couldn’t last and it didn’t! As nineteen walkers and a dog set off on a long climb to the ridge at the top of West Hill, a wind-blown mizzle settled in, that quickly soaked any clothing not protected by a waterproof.
The notable climb completed, we settled into a steady walk west towards Knowle Hill, enjoying views, north-east to Poole and south to Church Knowle and beyond. After a couple of miles we stopped for refreshments, and the customary group photo, in a dip out of the wind. Thankfully the rain had stopped.
From there, the route took us north, on the road, towards the memorial to the Creech Barrow Seven, volunteer members of the local WW2 Stay Behind Auxiliary Unit.A short distance further on, beyond the turning to East Creech, we turned east onto a woodland path back towards Corfe Castle. Path? A mile and a half of sloppy mud, is a better description but we all made it without mishap, enjoying the sight of primroses, new-born lambs catkins and Emus, as we passed Norden Farm. The walk across the last field, past the castle, cleaned some of the mud off our boots.
A dozen walkers then drove to The Halfway Inn, to warm-up by the fire and have a well-earned drink and a delicious lunch.
Twenty optimistic walkers began and headed off for the peaceful village of Chetnole.
An auspicious feeling in the air as the sun shone and spring was definitely evidenced by many cheery blooms springing through the meadows and woodland.
Much mud of course and tricky passages overcoming tree roots and slippery descents but the views were tremendous and lifted our spirits.
Coffee stop in the the churchyard of St. Mary’s in Melbury Bubb with its upside-down font presented a delightful show of snowdrops to thrill us … and a further visit to the tiny St. Edwold’s 15th century church afforded us the ‘ups and downs’ required of any decent walk.
Only four miles but quality overrides quantity and we were all content to return to the Inn for welcome refreshment and jolly good food. Just as the rain began!
A first walk with the Mileaters for Mike and Sally, newcomers to the village and I think we’re assured it won’t be the last.
Stuart & Sue Nuttall. 11th February 2026
Mileaters 28th January 2026
BLUE SKIES, SOGGY BOTTOMS and WET SOCKS
Surprisingly after days of rain we had good weather but still encountered soggy valleys and 'bottoms'.
The walk near Frampton was rather easy but arriving at the start near Tibbs Hollow and the pub proved challenging.
Before we set off, reports 'flooded' in from various sources indicating that the route via Monkey jump was impassable and Martinstown was blocked in the West by floods. In the end we made it through the flood waters.
As always we had a wonderful lunch at the Saxon Arms.
