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