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
“Adventure is worthwhile in itself”: Jules Verne.
Our Mileaters adventure started with a procession behind a learner bus driver, then a hedge-cutter then a flaxen-haired farmer-girl on a tractor (who pulled over for us!) on the way from the village green to Burton Bradstock.
14 hoomans and two spaniels then climbed up the long elevation from Shadrack to Bennett’s Hill Farm before cutting through the fields to Shipton Gorge. We were rewarded with beautiful views across to the hills of Innsacre and Bonscombe as we meandered through the meadows to Bothenhampton. At the top of the ridge there we stopped for coffee overlooking West Bay.
In true Phileas Fogg fashion, this is where things turned really adventurous as we clambered down twenty flights of clay steps to arrive at the tiny but pretty Holy Trinity church. There we were met not by Passepartout, but by a glamorous chauffeuse ready to take anyone wanting to travel onwards by car. One of us had remembered that ,this being a Chris and Lilly-led walk, it was bound to rain so took the lift. The rest ascended to the ridge overlooking the sea just as the inevitable precipitation started.
We arrived a little damp at the Anchor in Burton Bradstock where, after a bit of a wait (filled with banter and drinks) we had some fabulous dishes for lunch, including what one described as the best prawn sandwich he’d ever had.
We didn’t bother going to the Reform Club but diverted immediately to hot baths and tea at home.
So, perfect day.
Chris Evans
Mileaters strike new ground - 29 May 2024
All fighting fit after the rigours of Exmoor the previous week, 23 Mileaters and 5 canine colleagues assembled appropriately at Pooch's Place car park at Silverlake for a mere 5 miles and 250ft of ascent, stroll. "Pooch" was the mascot of Warmwell WW2 air base, so, after skirting the upmarket development at Silverlake - where some wondered about unlocking the coracles and taking them for a spin on the lagoon - a short diversion was made to view the site of the airfield with a hangar still standing in the distance, a reminder of the significant role that Warmwell played during the Battle of Britain.
Onwards through the somewhat muddy terrain, Warmwell holiday park was passed, with attractive lakes opposite, until we passed above the watercress beds downstream from Broadmayne. More mud ensued, but eventually we paused for a coffee break and photocall on Empool Heath.
After yet another muddy path we emerged from the woods to look down on one of the many landscaped lakes, laid out after the sand and gravel workings finished. Our route through Knighton Heath Wood nature reserve, rich with birdsong, led us to the airbase memorial at the edge of the wood and a brief flirtation with the Silverlake development once again, brought us back to our cars opposite more lakes.
A new circuit for many in a restored landscape, with access only opening a year ago. The information boards showed plans for extensive further development around the man-made lakes; let's hope not for some time to come.
Thence to The Frampton Arms for a reviving lunch.
Nick Priddle
Mileaters on tour 2024
A change in timing from the normal September date saw 26 Mileaters on tour in Exford at the edge of Exmoor in May. Having experienced a very wet April it didn't bode well and then the sun came out in early May for a few days, only to disappear again at the start of the tour. Some of the group had been in training, others were carrying injuries and then the news that Whooping Cough had invaded the village. What else could go wrong? Torrential rain and thunderstorms were forecast for the South West.
On the first day we did get wet but not as badly as expected. One member decided to duck out just after the initial count and wasn't missed until a mile into the walk, lucky blighter. The highlights were: an abundance of lambs, all now big enough and covered in lanolin to fend off the rain; also a pleasant walk along the edge of a Blueberry field(about 2-3 months too early, as they were just flowering) the picturesque views being obscured by low clouds.
The second day saw us tackle a tough walk across the edge of the moor before descending into the Barle valley. Uphill is easy for our hardy bunch but down hill sorts out those knees and boy they were creaking and grinding all the way down. The rest of the route was a piece of cake because this bunch were on a promise. I thought the famous Tarr Steps bridge was spurring them on, only to find out later that the promise of Cheesy Chips and a drink at the pub were more of a draw than some old relic.
Talking of old relics, on the third day our final walk took us along the Exe valley. The first two miles saw us bathed in glorious sunshine, T shirts and shorts weather, absolutely glorious. After coffee we tackled a climb back up onto the moor. A climb of over 500ft in under 20mins was enough to sort out the 'men from the boys'. I am proud to say that despite the grinding knees (one of which will be gone when you read this), the creaking of hips and respiratory problems, everyone made it to the top, just. (A modern day miracle). We had lunch on the top, sunbathing, enjoying the good weather. Our view over the moor, took in Dunkery Beacon in the distance. At last we could no longer delay the downhill return back to the hotel, via the pub for some and a Cream Tea at the tea room for others.'
Martin and Lesley Usherwood
