Walk Reports 2026/1
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
Mileaters toil in the Sun. 2nd July 2026
Another sunny one as 14 Mileaters plus “Pip” and “Molly” set off from The Elm Tree to explore some unfamiliar territory to the north of Langton Herring, thankfully a slight breeze accompanying us at the outset. Fine views from the lowly Rodden Ridge (and a hare) were enjoyed before battle was joined with a head high maize field – thankfully that well known African tribe helped us locate the faint track through.
A brief skirting of the hamlet of Rodden and then up again above Merry Hill Barn (used for the opening scenes of the more recent version of “Far from the Madding Crowd”), onwards to West Elworth and eventually another climb up to our coffee stop as we joined the Coast Path, with distant views out over the sea.
The heat was now beginning to take effect, and the final pull up into Langton Herring and the sanctuary of The Elm Tree, was tougher than expected, too much for one “Molly” who said no more and summoned a taxi to take her the last ¼ mile.
A welcome lunch and a few revivers soon sorted us all out.
Nick Priddle.
