Mileaters' Lower Burton Walk
Our starting point was the Sun Inn at Lower Burton. Nineteen people set off to walk along the River Frome, up through the water meadows and into open countryside heading north towards Charminster. We returned along the River Cerne and then across the fields to the pub. The weather was fine, even warm; the paths were finally mud free and there was only one dreaded style to negotiate. It was a bonus to explore some paths previously unknown to the Mileaters crew, and even more of a bonus to welcome two new members, Nikki and Jason, who have recently settled into the village!
We covered just over five miles in total and were ready to enjoy good food and ale at the Sun.
Rollo & Frances Clifford
Jo & Colin’s Mileaters walk 28.2.25
28th February – the last day of February, on the cusp of spring. And it was a beautiful clear sunny day with a hint of warmth in the sun. (Unlike the day we chose to try out the walk which was blowing a hooley with storm force winds (nearly) and mud everywhere. Visibility down to a few hundred feet) So it was that 12 of us steely (!) Mileaters set off from Abbotsbury, headed to the Swannery and up onto the coast path towards Portesham. The Fleet and the sea looked magnificent all aglitter in the sun. Before we headed inland we stopped for our drinks and snack overlooking the coast, faces warmed by the sun, chatting away like long lost friends!
Then it was down hill towards Portesham and along the disused railway line back to Abbotsbury and lunch for most of us at the Swan Inn where we had good pub food – well deserved after a 5 mile slog!
Colin & Jo
Mileaters Walk 13.2.2025
With Valentine’s Day and the Half Term holiday looming a small but hardy group of 9, plus Molly the dog headed out on a very chilly morning from the pretty village of East Chaldon/ Chaldon Herring, which was once an artist’s enclave, housing poets, artists and sculptors.
The walk, of just under 5 miles, was for the majority of the time on farm tracks, with a few gates, and without stiles.
Starting at the ‘walkers’ car park meant walking through the village before taking the lane that would lead us up the first of two hills towards the coast. The climb up to the ridgeway made it feel like a long way but it warmed us up and afforded us wonderful views north over the village to the 5 Marys, a group of Bronze age round barrows, on the opposite side of the valley. After watching a large ‘murder’ of crows wheeling in unison (I daren’t use the term murmuration) over a huge manure heap we reached the ridgeway. Our view was then changed towards the sea, Bats Head and a glimpse of the top of Durdle Door.
Our coffee stop was to have been on the ridgeway with the views but this was far too cold so we headed on and found a sheltered spot behind a hedge. Moving on, we followed the track to Daggers Gate which, disappointingly for some, had no daggers or even a gate. It does, however, come with stories of witches, murder, smugglers and Revenue Men.
From there it was mostly downhill through field and lane before ending back at the car park. Good news was, nobody fell over or got covered in mud and, Molly seemed to have a good time!
Afterwards, we made our way to the Red Lion at Winfrith Newburgh for lunch. Don’t mention the chicken wings!!
Martin and Sheree
Mileaters Walk 5th February 2025
Fifteen walkers assembled on the Green, and after a detour to order lunch at The Black Dog, Broadmayne drove to Osmington Mills for the start.
Just over 5 miles in length and some minor inclines we returned to our starting point after having a coffee stop at St. Catherines by the Sea, Church.
The sun on the sea was quite spectacular from the coastal path.
St Catherines never disappoints.
A few little-known paths were trod
Lunch at the Black Dog followed.
I think almost everyone enjoyed it.
Stuart Nuttall
Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud! - Mileaters walk 22nd January 2025.
Mud, mud, glorious mud turned out to be the theme of the second walk of the year. With the best will in the world, it was always going to be a muddy walk following the rain of recent days. Undaunted by these walking conditions an enthusiastic band of 20 Mileaters plus four dogs set off from Upwey; apparently on a new route that Mileaters had not taken before.
We started from the Royal Standard pub and went east down a narrow footpath into Upwey then headed on from Westbrook towards Hewish Hill. Much of this part of the route was seriously low lying and muddy with the added problem of at least ten stiles. Maybe this was the reason the route had not been walked before!
Once the mud and heavy going was passed, we joined firm tracks, stamping as we went trying to get rid of some of the mud on our boots and making our way to the top of Waddon Hill at Friar Waddon. The return route took us along a pleasant downland ridge, with views out over Weymouth Bay (though rather foggy on the day walked) to the cross dyke at Windsbatch. Then we negotiated a tortuous wet and muddy slope down to the Wishing Well in Upwey, walking poles definitely needed on this descent. It had been intended to take the footpath behind the houses on the north side of the road but with another six stiles to navigate, it was sensibly decided to take the pavement instead and most importantly, to ensure we would reach the pub in time for lunch. The Royal Standard provided us with excellent food and refreshment. In all, a walk of just over five miles.
A good walk with some challenging conditions and some Mileaters a few days later reported that knees and/or hips were still aching from climbing over all those stiles!
Gerald & Rosie Duke
