The Mileaters

The village walking group began nearly 35 years ago with the aim of walking the Dorset Coast Path, in sections, from the Devon border to Sandbanks. Subsequently the reverse route from Sandbanks to Devon has been undertaken.

We are a friendly group of local residents, ex-residents, and colleagues from the area, who meet on a fortnightly basis to enjoy the diversity of the wonderful Dorset countryside. We take it in turns to lead a walk with most members being allotted a fortnight's slot twice a year. The choice of distance, location, and day within that fortnight is at the discretion of the fortnightly leader, but walks (anywhere in Dorset) are usually between 4 and 8 miles. 

Walk details are distributed by email. A picnic lunch is often carried in the Summer, but a pub lunch in the Winter is the norm - rehydration is de rigueur! Generally we meet on the Village Green at 10.00 a.m.

Contact:
Nick Priddle tel: 01305 889189

Mileaters Walk from Athelhampton

After days of icy weather and continual rain it was an especially resilient and hearty group of ten Mileaters and three dogs who set out on a six mile walk one Tuesday in early December. And how glad we all were that we made the effort. Because it really was not as muddy as feared and it was just very good to be out walking again after far too many days stuck indoors.

We parked at in the car park of beautiful Athelhampton and after crossing the road turned up the lane beside the small church there and climbed steadily through beech and oak woodland to fields with beautiful views down the valley to Tincleton. We stopped by a small poignant stone monument in memory of one of the sons of the owners of nearby Clyffe House, killed in France in 1940.

Re-entering woodland we followed a broad track through woodland for two miles, finally taking a left which took us down through the tall conifers of Southover woods and heath to join a track which, after fields and a long sunken track (which is in late spring has its sides covered in wild flowers) reaches Park Farm House and a pretty walk by the river to return to the church.

Lunch was at Athelhampton where we were welcomed and quickly served with hot drinks and tasty food.

Cathie Seigal