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
Bere Regis walk…
On Thursday 18th April the sun shone and 18 members of the Mileaters group set out from Bere Regis with the promise of wet feet.
We headed up Black Hill stopping to take in the views and to look at the Devils Stone (an ancient Heathstone Monolith used as a way marker by the Romans on the road over Black hill). We then dropped into the woods to admire the smell and colour of the Bluebells before paddling through a very wet lane to the river Piddle and across the bridge to the old cress beds. (Making good on the wet feet promise)
Our coffee stop was near Brockhill, sitting on fallen trees and looking down towards Throop. After a short break we crossed the fields and tackled a particularly nasty stile with the help of a piece of underlay brought specifically for the purpose. Crossing the river again at the ford at Turners Puddle we stopped for the required photo on the bridge. We then crossed the road and followed the lane back up the hill and returned via Mays Wood to The Royal Oak for well-earned drinks and lunch.
Martin & Sheree Fitzgerald.
'Nutalls-not-muddy-walk'
The promise was no mud and some exertion and the walk lived up to it.
There were eighteen of us assembled at the Brewers ordering our lunch on what was a dry day. A minor miracle during the recent weather.
We used the track up Grove hill to gain the ridgeway. The row of trees planted some three years ago are mainly looking healthy and there is now a new track of compacted white stone along the flat section which is less comfortable on the feet but very successful at reducing the mud.
Turning right at the ridgeway we walked a further 200 metres before taking the path down to Friar Waddon road. The coffee break was at Corton Chapel and a neighbour kindly unlocked the door to allow those who wished to see inside.
Suitably refreshed we tracked over the field to reach the first of our stiles. More a slab of stone really and quite aesthetic but difficult for large dogs. Keith was a star in helping out here.
The route back to the ridge is quite steep and there is one tricky stile where the land drops away and is slippery. Rollo was the superman this time, assisting everyone who needed it.
A recently fallen ash tree across our path, was a demonstration of the effect of die back, the black core clearly showing the destruction by the disease. The ridgeway was eventually accomplished and after a pause to recover we returned by the same track we had used two hours earlier.
The Brewers was excellent as usual. The walk was around six miles with 850 feet of ascent and no mud! Well not much. Thanks to everyone who came and made it such an enjoyable morning.
Stuart Nuttall
The wet weather continued throughout March which made the already sodden fields and paths extremely muddy for our walk at Ringstead Bay. Twenty three walkers arrived at the the National Trust car park to start the walk to be greeted by another weather element that we were not expecting. Fog!
The area is one of the most picturesque coastal regions in Dorset and it was somewhat disappointing not to enjoy the views that we knew were out there. However in true Mileater fashion we carried on regardless and were rewarded after an hour or so by the fog lifting a little to give a few glimpses of the coastline.
We set off in an easterly direction until we reached an obelisk on the cliff which was one of a pair the other was sited 400 metres away but there was no chance of seeing it. The purpose of the obelisk was for shipping navigation and although they were once painted white they were now just grey stone.
We continued past the old coast guard cottages at White Nothe and along the cliff path eventually reaching the wooden Church of St Catherine by the sea where we rested for coffee. At this point some of the group took a shortcut back to the cars whilst the others continued to Ringstead Bay and back via a very unforgiving climb.
Richard
St David’s Day and Birthday Celebrations
A happy band of 12 mileaters set off from Hardy’s Monument on a miraculously partly sunny, partly cloudy, some hail but dry day! To meet four more members at the designated coffee break where Mimosas, Sausages, Chocolate Brownies were served to celebrate St David’s Day and my birthday. Thankfully enjoyed by all except the disciplined carrot muncher! Who has triumphantly lost a stone, no mean feat in this age of gluttony!
On we went along the Ridgeway with stunning views, threatening clouds and strong winds, down to West Bexington. There were patches of mud, hardly surprising after the wettest February on record. The alternative would be to walk around Poundbury, not so scenic but mud free for the mud phobic.
After a bracing six miles for the stalwarts who did the whole route and four miles for the four with sick notes, we all had an excellent lunch at The Manor House Hotel in their warm, sunny conservatory with picturesque sea views. An ideal spot, great company and more birthday cake!
Thank you to Sheree Fitgerald, Lesley Pemberton and Colin Tracy our professional photographers. And to our drivers, Tom Webb, Richard Benson, Stuart Nuttall, Chris Evans and of course Riou Baxter who led the walk and the car logistics.
Laura Baxter
