Walk Reports 2026/1
From hero to zero and back again… 14th October 2026
The Mileaters walk was led by the Evanses and so naturally the expectation was that they there would be rain and the thirteen who gathered on the Green were not disappointed!
As we arrived there was a brief, fine shower, giving an equally brief but spectacular rainbow and then we were off across the ridgeway to Bridport, where it was all sun and a light breeze.
Leaving by the river bordering Palmers brewery (pub quiz question: which is the only remaining thatched brewery in the country? Yes, that one), we walked through the fields on the fenced footpath to West Bay. From there we climbed up West Cliff, where, from the top, we enjoyed beautiful views out to sea and of the Jurassic Coastline. Here the breeze became refreshing but welcome and we took an early coffee break.
So far so heroic but soon after, Mr. and Mrs Evans were debating how it could be that a gate had disappeared and the gap become overgrown in 3 short days since we test-walked it?! The conundrum was solved when we realised we’d walked a field too far. So down to zero then.
What brought us back up to hero status was that our illustrious Chair had never taken the route back North of Eype past the church and the radio mast on our way back down into Bridport. This is a much treasured achievement given his reputation for having walked literally everywhere in these parts.
We lunched at the Manor House Hotel in West Bexington where Nick, Sarah and their family had become the new owners just 16 weeks ago. After a wait of a drink or two, they served up some really lovely home made food, which we will go back to enjoy again.
Chris Evans
MILEATERS OSMINGTON RAMBLE 29th Sept 2026.
A nice even number of 14 walkers for our 5.7 mile walk starting and finishing at The Smugglers Inn, Osmington Mills. From the pub, a short walk back up Mill Lane gets us setting off westward along the coastal path with the weather set mild and fair with plenty of sun and a moderate onshore wind producing plenty of white caps across the water to Portland. This section of the walk had a mix of wooded shade and open pasture on an undulating pathway with spectacular views along the coast and shoreline of Osmington Bay.
To keep to the planned 5-6 miles (the online version of this walk is longer), we turned north opposite Redcliff Point along a more untrodden footpath that leads to and through the east side of the holiday park and then up a broad track to St Andrew’s Church Preston for our graveyard coffee stop and a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for Ian’s special day.
Forwards and onwards across the Preston Road and into the village of Sutton Poyntz where a small footpath wiggles between houses pointing us back east through fields following the line of the River Jorden (now hidden by lush green growth) beyond which the Osmington White Horse can be seen on the hill side (also heading east).
Entering the north end of the pretty village of Osmington, we head south through the village and up to the Preston Road where a pavement section gets us onto the South West Coast path. Here on the final leg, it’s open pasture over the top and down to where we joined the coastal path at the start. The group was quite strung out at this point but could still be seen – clearly the draw of good food and a drink at The Smugglers is too strong for some - and who’d blame them!
Plenty of chat, good company and fabulous nature all around.
Jason & Nicki Butler
15 brave walkers joined us at Sturminster Newton. We walked from the Swan Inn pub along to Cutt Mill which sadly is in ruin. Here we had our coffee stop and enjoyed some sunshine. We then walked along the river bank and even the sheep and horses didn't bother about us . Heading back to the town we passed under the remains of a railway bridge before everyone enjoyed welcome cold drinks and a delicious lunch at the Swan Inn.
Lesley Pemberton 22nd September 2026
