We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
Walk Description:
A variation on previous walks out of Bere Regis, this one takes us south, joining early on a newly created route through a Dorset Wildlife Trust rewilding project (Wild Woodbury) to restore rivers and regain wetland habitat. The river Piddle is a dominant presence and we cross it amid the renowned water cress beds, before climbing on solid tracks, joining some muddy fields and farmland for a period, then tracing the river’s south-eastward line through lovely mixed woodland toward Wareham, ultimately crossing northward between Woodlands and Hyde, then continuing on woodland trailways. The landscape changes from Hyde as we then enter the open heathland that extends west from Wareham Forest, with its sweeping expanse of spectacularly ordinary (others may disagree) plantation-like firs and tall pines that abound here. This area is very low-lying, with a lot of waterways, but we stick mainly to well-defined paths, wending our way across the heath to Woolsbridge iron-age hill fort, where we get fine views from the highest spot in this area, and will aim to have lunch.
We continue north from here, reaching the old village of Bloxworth, and then turn west on the long trek, rising at times along the Hardy Way, before finally dropping down near our start point. We have the opportunity to take welcome refreshment at the Royal Oak.
PLEASE NOTE: on 22nd March it's Earth Hour (what's that you say - google earthhour.org) and it also marks the UN's World Water Day. I'm therefore asking you to devote one cumulative hour (approx) of our five-hour walk collecting as much rubbish as we can. There will be litter-picking equipment, bags and gloves so we can actually do more than leave the countryside as we find it, but leave it even better. Based on my recce, I found occasional 'bursts' of unwanted litter (where people hang out most, sadly) so although we may not have too much to do most of the time, this walk invites you to be mindful of nature and do your best to correct what others may have done to spoil it! I appreciate we may have to pause now and then but I hope you agree it's worth it once in a while.
If you have litter-pickers of your own please bring them, as well as gloves.
Note: our group walks quite briskly; while this route isn’t particularly demanding of terrain, if you have any concerns about fitness/capability please contact the walk leader in advance.
Meet Point (Description): Outside the Royal Oak, Bere Regis
Grid Reference/Postcode: SY848948/BH20 7LF
whatthreewords code: fanfare.roadblock.human
Any additional guidance to reach meet point:
Park free in multiple places in the town and walk to the Royal Oak, easily seen as you enter the High Street at the eastern end. There is a central car park in Turberville Road, but easier for our start point are street-side in Elder Road or North Street.
Please car share wherever possible to lighten our carbon footprint!
Booking info
Please buy (free) tickets via Ticket Tailor using the following link:
https://buytickets.at/walksfordorset4050ramblers/1623709
Numbers are limited at the discretion of the walk leader. Anyone turning up without booking beyond the planned maximum for the walk may not be permitted to start.
If you cannot attend please cancel your ticket through the site so others can take a place.
If any issues please contact the walk leader.
Leader: Andy
Contact number: 07786377101
What you need to consider:
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Outside the Royal Oak pub
