Bere Regis, 12th June 2019

Having feared the worst regarding the weather, a small but select band of 4 members ventured to Bere Regis. Having parked in the centre of the village we set off towards Shitterton, along the river bank. We then followed the trail up through the large tree plantation, established by Brian May of ‘Queen’ fame, and onto the Black Hill with lovely views over the Piddle Valley. From there we picked up the Jubilee Trail down into Turners Puddle, following a small loop along the river side to Throop, where we stopped for a break at the bridge.

The weather had picked up and it turned into a very pleasant day for walking. We made our way back, via the Fords to Turners Puddle, then a short time along a road, passing a particularly pretty wisteria clad cottage, before picking up the trail again onto the Black Hill once more. The trail meandered through the woods before opening out onto heath with Rhododendrons in bloom. Once over Blackhill Clump we made our way back down to the village, passing the watercress beds towards the car park.

Lunch was taken in the Drax Arms where all passed a round of praise for the meal and hospitality.

Roddy Kilpatrick