The Mileaters

Published: 11 November 2019

Last Updated: 11 November 2019

Mileaters walk on water, or a paddle in the Piddle

A rain-free day at last as 8 Mileaters and Lulu, our diminutive canine companion, set out from The Martyrs Inn in Tolpuddle for what looked to be a straightforward circuit, postponed for inclement weather from earlier in the week.

A pleasant stroll down the Piddle valley via fields, farms and woods ensued, our leader David assuring us there was just one more stile, on more than one occasion! And so we reached the Jubilee Trail just north of Briantspuddle. We safely negotiated the bridge across the fast-flowing River Piddle only to be greeted by a large flooded field. Our intrepid team decided that it was not a problem, as the water got deeper and deeper; eventually there was no turning back and we just had to go for it with the water now nearly up to our knees. We made it across with those wearing wellies feeling distinctly smug; and what of poor Lulu? "I now know she can swim", Lynne was heard to say.

Draining our boots we squelched off through Briantspuddle and the woods to arrive at Culpepper's Dish - the 2 foot deep muddy ruts caused by the logging tractors were just a minor difficulty after our earlier adventures. Refreshed after the coffee stop (I'm sorry that we hijacked your chocolate biscuits Rollo), we briefly inspected the 140ft deep sinkhole, before heading down to Affpuddle and then back to Tolpuddle, where Lulu's towel was much in demand.

After recuperating in The Martyrs, it was back home to enjoy that well-known Billy Joel track: "Wade in the Water".

Nick Priddle.

Published: 10 October 2019

Last Updated: 10 October 2019

Even the weather was kind to us – eventually. 

As the old saying goes, if you don’t like the weather – just wait. Having been forced to abandon our planned walk on the Monday as squalls, storms, and darkness gripped Dorset, on Tuesday we were presented with bright blue skies and sunshine. 

Fourteen walkers and two dogs set off from the Poachers’ Inn at Piddletrenthide and made our talkative way over five miles of gorgeous rolling farmland scenery, up the steady but not overly-steep inclines, and with most of it on farm tracks, which helped avoid the mud caused by the previous day’s storms. Of course, if the humans did manage to avoid the mud, the dogs most decidedly chose not to.

Other than walking, the prime activity on Mileaters’ walks is typically a constant level of friendly chat. Not this time. On this walk the prime activity for some of the group at least (Lesley, Lesley and Barbara – we’re particularly looking at you here) was blackberrying.  Bush after bush laden with berries proved too much of a temptation, and the foraging trio fell further and further behind, only to catch up when we all reached the pub for lunch. There we were also reunited with Richard and Arend who had taken one minor wrong turning whilst deep in conversation – a near inevitable occupational hazard on such walks.

Service and food at the Poacher’s Inn were generally great. The management had been really friendly and supportive when we were planning the walk – even if the publican did say, “I take it that you stop for lunch halfway through your walks.” You can be assured that I soon put her right on that one.

We happily covered the miles, and we ate, which is everything that a Mileater needs on a sunny Tuesday. Thank Heavens that we postponed it from the previous day. 

David Haslam

Published: 29 September 2019

Last Updated: 29 September 2019

Mileaters "Ham" it up 

On a fine autumnal day 16 Mileaters (and Lulu) ventured into Somerset for a rare non-Dorset walk.

From "The Prince of Wales" perched atop Ham Hill Country Park, we began our circuit with a tour of the impressive ramparts of the Iron Age Hill Fort, some 5km in circumference and enclosing 200 acres, affording superb views over the Somerset countryside and to Pilsdon Pen in the west.

After a pleasant descent through cooling woods, we turned eastwards to slowly ascend the sheltered Witcombe Valley, site of a deserted medieval village but still sporting its village pond now only supporting the resident herd of Devon Reds. A welcome coffee break after the ascent and we could recover on the way down into Montacute, passing the dove cote, fishpond and ornate gatehouse of the old priory, the latter now a fine private house.

A short testing climb followed around the base of the former Norman castle that was built on top of St. Michael's Hill, at 450ft the Mons Acutus (steep hill)  that gave Montacute its name. More woods and a short flight of steps and we suddenly found ourselves in the garden of The Prince of Wales for our reward of a reviving lunch looking down over Montacute and our return route.

A wonderful 5 mile walk of great scenic beauty and with much historical interest, greatly enhanced by the splendid weather.

Nick Priddle

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