Sydling St Nicholas walk
It was a gloomy, drizzly morning. A group of 11 walkers were due to set out for a 5 1/2 mile walk around Sydling St Nicholas. But one couple had failed to appear on time and a decision was taken to go without them. We parked in the pretty village of Sydling and made the long, slow ascent up to the Ridge. Suddenly two small figures appeared far below. Our lost walkers had caught up and found us. Quite a feat as they didnt know the walk. They had overslept and good manners prevents us from naming them. Our full complement reached the beautiful long stretch of the Ridge with far reaching views which even the weather could not spoil. A coffee break near the famous Turning Point crossroads of five ancient tracks set us thinking of all those who have passed through over millenia. A pleasant ramble back downhill past fields of standing barley and wildflower meadows eventually brought us back to Sydling. A short drive to the comforts of the Saxon Arms and delicious lunch. Linda led and Sue at rear shut the gates - quite a lot of them - Good teamwork!
Linda Scott and Sue Shephard
Colin and Jo’s Mileaters Walk Friday 2nd August
13 intrepid Mileaters took to the hills above Compton Valence on a glorious summer’s day. With barely a cloud in the sky – just a few horseflies. The major uphill was done and dusted at the beginning of the walk heading north. Once up on top of the downs the views were spectacular in all directions (unless we were walking too close to the back of someone!) A loop round took us to Notton Hill Barn where we borrowed someone’s lawn too sit and have coffee and snacks.
From there we headed to Longlands Farm and back along Compton Bottom. A brief stop at the hollow ash tree, on the Parish Boundary, where the photo was taken. The ancient ash is at least 15 feet around the base, almost completely rotted or hollow in the middle, but still boasts new growth around the rim. Old trees such as this are fed by the rotting wood in the middle and give themselves a new lease of life.
Then we continued to Compton Valence where we had a picnic lunch at the church! Splendid!
Colin and Jo
Mileaters Walk 19th July 2024
The first early tongue in cheek communications regarding the walk suggested that a backup day would be unnecessary as the planned day would be extremely hot and sunny. And so it turned out. Too hot for some, particularly that first stretch from Stratton towards Crete Hill where there is no shade and the sun merciless.
However the track soon levelled off and there were no deserters, by the time we reached Jackmans Cross and the coffee stop everyone was in brighter mood.
The walk was splendid with fine views over Charminster Down, lots of chat and good humour.
Lunch was a picnic on the green at Stratton, and since we were near our cars we could indulge ourselves with chairs, gaining some shade from the Sycamore trees.
A very good group of Mileaters who had a splendid morning walk of around 5.5 miles.
Sue and Stuart Nuttall
One dog and ten people set off from the Pymore Inn to walk along the Brit Valley as far as Waytown and then headed to the Dorset Nectar Cider Orchard to sit among the apple trees to drink coffee.
Having warned walkers that nettles and brambles might be a hazard we were not prepared to find a bridle way obstructed by a heavy duty ‘plant’ of another sort. Fortunately for us a consultation with the map showed an alternative footpath to get us back on track without too much of a detour and we returned to the Inn through the old 14th century village of Pymore which was once a thriving community growing and milling hemp and flax to make and supply all ropes for the navy (and hang man’s nooses)! After our 5 mile walk we arrived at the inn as the drizzle started and enjoyed the homemade pizzas.
Frances and Rollo
Loders, the Mangerton Valley and West Milton
The last Thursday in June was warm and humid and the walk over the steep hills and through the deep valleys of West Dorset quite a challenge. Though only 5.5 miles it felt longer and at times hard going; even Lulu had to be carried for part of it.
But we were up for a challenge, and as a small elite group of nine, we were pretty good at supporting and encouraging each other.
We parked at The Loders Arms, where some of us had lunch at the end of the walk. The first stretch was uphill along a deep sandstone gorge, then downhill through a very overgrown nature reserve to a branch covered sunken path which even after a dry spell was pretty muddy at the lowest part.
Drawing on every ounce of courage we faced a field of cows as we climbed up the valley, (the cows were fortunately exhausted too) and then through fields and up a track rising above the beautiful valley, we reached Mappercombe Manor with her lovely formal gardens.
Footpaths took us down to Powerstock and from there we walked above the Mangerton River eventually reaching West Milton. In the shade of West Milton’s ruined 15th century church tower we were glad to sit and have coffee.
The walking after the break was easier as we followed the river, eventually rising through woods to pass ( thankfully not climb) Round Knoll. From there we took a path through woods to emerge onto a hedged lane. Taking the risk that a Closed Road would be sufficiently open for walkers we returned to Loders down another sandstone narrow lane which was in a state of semi collapse.
I think we all felt proud of ourselves and though few in number, we enjoyed the comradeship a small group can bring.
Cathie Seigal
