Walk Reports 2026/1
Mileaters walk 11 August 2026
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
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.
Another walk in the Woods
It was the 14th July. It was due to be hot. 31 degrees Celsius. So what to do?
We started the walk 2 hours earlier than usual and picked a walk in Puddletown Forest. 4.2 miles of
which about 3.5 miles was in the shade. Perfect.
We discussed the difference between sinkholes, swallets and doline features of the karst landscape
(just ask if you want to know). We paused at the Roman road, we stood on the very ancient
Rainbarrow and had a recitation of a passage from Tess of the d`Urbervilles describing the view in
the late 1870`s. We continued through the 744 acre forest, leased and managed by Forestry
England.
In a break from tradition, because of the early start, we had time to go to our respective homes to get cleaned up and cooled down before a visit to the Brewers Arms where we were royally looked after by Nanna Jo and the team. Great stuff.
In summary, 12 of us set out and we all got back.
Tom Webb
