Shalford & St Martha’s Hill

The low temperature rather than the mud was the remarkable feature of this morning’s 5½ mile walk. It was a cold day; we wore woolly hats and gloves. Last week it was warm enough for T shirts and shorts.

Twenty-three turned up for the walk which started from the car park off the B2128 near Chinthurst Hill. Our route to St Martha’s Chapel took us through Chantry Wood where bluebells were in flower. The floor was covered in blue.

We returned to the car park via the Downs Link, Chilworth Manor, Chilworth, Great Tangley Manor Farm and Wonersh Common.

Map: OS X 145

Swanage to Corfe Castle

There was sunshine most of the time for our third and final day in the Isle of Purbeck.

The sixteen on the 4½ mile route set off from Ulwell and followed the Purbeck Way to Corfe Castle. Those on the longer route walked from the hotel in Swanage to join the PW, continued to Old Harry Rocks, turned west to walk along Ballard Down, descended down the steep steps by the obelisk to the PW and continued on this to Corfe Castle. Here they had plenty of time for a cream tea before they set off home.

Map: OS OL15

Osmington to Lulworth Cove

What a difference a day makes. It was windy but there was sunshine all day—blue sky and blue sea. Also remarkable was the mud that we encountered—it was baked and cracked.

The 31 on the eight mile route were dropped off in Osmington and walked mainly along the coastal path to Lulworth Cove. The 12 on the six mile route set off from the coach turning and drop off point by Durdle Door car park, walked west on a footpath towards White Nothe and returned to Lulworth Cove on a bridleway above the footpath.

The great views today made up for the lack of them yesterday.

Map: OS OL15

Durlston Country Park to Swanage

A coach load of us are in Swanage for a three day walking holiday. We set off early, stopped at Rownhams Services on the M27 for a thirty minute break and arrived at the cp shortly before 11am.

There was light cloud on the journey with occasional patches of blue sky. However, about five minutes after we set off walking the cloud descended. From then on we walked in fog; visibility was less than 100 metres. The leader of the short walk (six miles, 17 people) had to keep stopping to check that she could see those at the end of the group.

The lunch stop was to have been on the cliff top overlooking Dancing Ledge but, as there was no view whatsoever, the leader continued to the shelter of Spyway Barn. It was a relief to get out of the drizzle.

The route after a quick lunch (no one was keen to linger) was easy to follow. It was along the Priest’s Way to Swanage. The town was below cloud level.

Map: OS OL15

Artington & Compton

Another hot day—the hottest so far this year and the hottest day in April for 70 years.

We (25) headed west to Compton from the start in Artington, stopped for refreshment at Watts Gallery Tearoom and then returned via the North Downs Way and the River Wey Navigation. Mud on footpaths had begun to dry out so few footpaths were markedly muddy.

Map: OS X 145

Hindhead figure of 8

The leader of today’s figure of eight walk warned there could be mud and boggy fields on part of the morning’s route. Judging by the state of people’s boots at lunchtime, her prediction was correct.

Twenty-five arrived for the morning walk (six miles), a few went home after lunch and four others, put off by the thought of mud, turned up for the afternoon walk (four miles).

The walks started from the NT visitor centre at Hindhead. It was the first warm day of the year. Two wore shorts, most wore sunglasses, several wore sun hats and some used sun screen. Summer had arrived.

Map: OS OL 33 (X 133)

Tilford circular

A few paths were dry on this morning’s six mile walk and, on one, leaves crunched underfoot. Several were horribly muddy but, fortunately, the worst sections could be avoided by taking a detour up the bank and walking briskly to lessen the chance of slipping down it.

Thirty-one arrived for the start in the small parking area in Tilford. We headed north on a byway to Sheephatch Lane, continued to the B3001, turned right on the road to a bridleway on the left and then followed a footpath to the top of Crooksbury Hill where we stopped for refreshment. Our leader offered round homemade chocolate brownies and cookies.

From Crooksbury Hill we continued to Stone Hill, Crooksbury Common and Charleshill, took a byway to Whitmead Lane and returned to Tilford on a footpath that ran parallel to the lane.

Map: OS X 145

Witley & Sandhills

There was blossom on trees and primroses on banks but, best of all, there was sunshine all day. Fewer paths were muddy.

Twenty-eight arrived for the 4½ mile walk. The leader took us on footpaths past Chestnut Copse, the derelict Winkworth Farm and on to Parsonage Farm where we stopped nearby for coffee. We continued to the Greensand Way, followed this to Sandhills, turned north to reach Church Lane and returned to the car park.

Map: OS X 133