The Mileaters

Published: 28 September 2019

Last Updated: 28 September 2019

Mileaters' Miles and Munchies

Well now we got lucky with the weather, a break in the rain saw 16 walkers and 3 dogs meet on the village green at 4pm in lovely sunshine. We headed off up Grove Hill down into the Christmas Tree Wood and along the valley path and up onto the Ridgeway. We headed in the direction of Hardy's Monument and stopped to have a look at the sink hole.

Walking on we crossed the road at Blackdown car park and ventured up the path towards the new mini ridge way Stonehenge. Here we stopped for our bring and share picnic. Two helpful members drove their cars up to the car park and carried the food drink and some chairs. What a lovely spread it was too.

Bellies full, parts refreshed, it was on our feet again and headed down the road for a bit before turning onto the bridle path that took us too Rue Lane then along the path coming out by our wash pool and of course the pub. There was now room for us in the pub as Bertie (Chloe Marsh's horse) had vacated the premises.

It turned out to be a very pleasant evening, thank you to all who came,the food contributions and of course the delivery drivers who made it possible.

Lesley Pemberton

Published: 28 September 2019

Last Updated: 28 September 2019

Mileaters walk along the Stour

Eleven Mileaters and one dog enjoyed a gentle walk from the  Fiddleford Inn, through countryside, woods and water meadows. In early September the landscape was at its late summer best with muted colours and a real stillness. We picked blackberries and paused for coffee at Sturminster Newton mill, one of the few remaining watermills in Dorset. As if on cue, a pair of swans and their six cygnets drifted into view. At St Mary’s church in Sturminster we marvelled at the rare and richly coloured window, depicting St Elizabeth and St Barbara on either side of the Virgin and Child, designed by Harry Clarke in pure Art Deco design.

Then across water meadows to Fiddleford Mill, formerly a corn mill, where we learned about the Archimedes screw, a very unusual way of harnessing hydro electric power, finally returning to the inn for lunch. Gerald joined us there to celebrate Rosie’s birthday. (thank you Rosie for the drinks all round) 

Cathie Seigal

Published: 09 August 2019

Last Updated: 09 August 2019

Mileaters Coastal Walk

The next stage of the coastal path had to be walked in the period when the Lulworth firing ranges were open to allow the stretch between Lulworth and Tyneham to be accessed. The date of Tuesday 30 July was chosen and a dozen walkers signed up for this very tough section and after weeks of dry sunny weather the  forecast of heavy rain, strong winds and possible lightning meant there was no option but to go to the reserve date of Thursday 1 August. Fortunately the weather was extremely good on this date but only 5 Mileaters were able to make the walk. Maybe it was the challenge of seriously difficult hills or maybe it was the thought of the cliff paths being rather frightening or perhaps it was the walk didn’t finish at a pub I suggest a combination of all three but in fairness this is the main holiday season so many were away.

The five set off from Lulworth having left a car in Tyneham and walked along Lulworth cove beach towards Fossil Forest where we had to scramble up a small cliff (using hands to steady ourselves) to reach the top where the photo was taken.

We walked briskly towards the main challenging assent at Arish Mell but managed to take in the stunning views. For those who know this part of the coast path it is renowned for sorting out ‘the men from the boys’ as the climb is exhausting. Lunch was taken after another gruelling climb but looking across Worbarrow Bay was truly memorable and certainly worth the effort.

We returned to the car and drove back to Martinstown and felt very pleased we had mastered this section of the coast path with the knowledge that every section from now onwards will be easier.

Richard Benson

Published: 22 July 2019

Last Updated: 22 July 2019

Mileaters Stoke Abbott Walk

Twenty (is this a record?) intrepid Mileaters and 3 dogs set off from Stoke Abbott, on a cool fresh morning. After a steady climb out of the village we enjoyed panoramic views from the ridge, with a coffee stop on Gerrards Hill surrounded by curious sheep. Negotiating numerous stiles was a challenge, particularly for one of the dogs, as we descended to Beaminster passing some quite vocal donkeys. 

The return section proved tricky as the footpaths were not clearly signed or maintained, and Peter wasn't with us to guide us, but we made it back to the New Inn just in time to enjoy a well-deserved lunch. All in all a good walk in a beautiful and unspoilt corner of our lovely county.

Katie Wilkinson.

Published: 16 July 2019

Last Updated: 16 July 2019

The latest stretch of the
Coastal Path...

Guide books variously describe the latest stretch of the s.w. Coastal Path as 'iconic', 'demanding' and 'tough' and all agree the views are spectacular.

The eleven Mileaters who walked the 7mile distance recently from Osmington Mills to Lulworth Cove all uphold this summary!

We couldn't have wished for better weather to enhance the beautiful far-reaching views along this strip of coastline and both Portland in the west to Durdle Door as we headed east shone with a clarity beyond expectation.

Tough it was and moreso on the steep downhill tracks, most of us carefully picking our way to avoid a tumble.

A welcome break for refreshments by the simple wooden church, St Catherine by the Sea at Holworth, overlooking the bay beneath, prepared us for the steeper, more exposed and dramatic way ahead.

Katie's photos say it all! 

A brief pause at Scratchy Bottom then onward and uphill to the finale and rather unwelcome shock of coach loads of tourists visiting the coastal attractions of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove - queuing for a welcome ice-cream at the end though was worth it after our efforts!

Sue Nuttall

Published: 14 July 2019

Last Updated: 14 July 2019

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