We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
We park off the main Ringwood-Salisbury road (A338) and immediately head for the Avon Valley Path to reach the pretty Avon, crossing the valley flatland to then climb the one notable hill on the whole route, through woodland toward the Sandy Balls Caravan Park for fine overlooking views. We drop downhill to fields and paths, eventually regaining views of the Avon and crossing to rejoin the AVP, heading north to historic Fordingbridge and approaching via the churchyard. Here we can take lunch before threading our way west to find a long flat stretch of paths, many tracking the picturesque run of waterways known as Ashford Water and including a picture-postcard spot at restored Alderholt Mill in Sandleheath before heading up the deliciously-named Puddleslosh Lane toward our start point. Please note paths are largely very good but it will be muddy in some sections.
You should be aware our group walks at a reasonably brisk pace with occasional stops.
Optional refreshments can be taken afterwards at a local hostelry.
Book your ticket via Eventbrite using link below. Please cancel your place to allow space for others if you are not able to make it. Total numbers are limited at the walk leader's discretion.
Meet Point: Car Park (free) in service road to entrance of Burgate School, Fordingbridge.
Directions via the A338: from Salisbury, take first right signposted to Fordingbridge or from Ringwood, ignore the first left (slip road) to Fordingbridge and take the next left a ¼ mile after, then in either case take a first right and then another immediate right (signposted to school) to park in the service road.
Car Park (free) in service road to entrance of Burgate School, Fordingbridge.
