We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
Start time: 09.45 (approx. finish 14.15 )
Mileage: 11
Walk Grade: Moderate
IMPORTANT: You need to book a place (see below) so I know clearly who is coming – the route and timing may change, dependent on weather conditions. I will email on Saturday in the event of any changes.
Walk Description:
A change from our previous Wool walk, this takes us mostly west and north rather than south, exploring the frenzy of the River Frome that gushes past on its way to Wareham. It leads us along the Jubilee Trail, Purbeck Way, Frome Valley Path, and even Lawrence of Arabia Trail, as we follow a variety of tracks and paths, from farm and field strewn with blue-flinted stone to woodland, heath and a few roadways, mostly on solid paths and largely level. We approach Winfrith Newburgh early on, then to Winfrith Heath, where we can expect lunch, before passing a little-known obelisk en route to the pretty village of Moreton, crossing the Frome at the ford, where the flow is spectacularly high at present. We move on to Bovington Heath, then on to the sight of a Chieftain tank, a walk rarity, before following pavements for a period on our way to a re-crossing of the Frome at a historic restored (now pedestrian) bridge back to our start point.
While the paths are good, be aware there is a lot of water around at present – the Bovington Heath stretch is marshy with a need to pick our way for a short distance along a very soggy track: mid-boots as a minimum are recommended. As the great Daniel Day-Lewis has been apt to advise: THERE WILL BE MUD.
Be aware: the plan is to return in good time to ready ourselves for a concert of festive songs and carols performed by Canzonetta (which includes a member of our own group) at the Church of the Holy Rood, a few minutes’ walk from our start point, beginning at 3pm (arrive 2.45). The timing allows for breaks, but we will be aiming for our usual pace to ensure this happens and may take a shorter lunch. We may have time to pop into the Black Bear after the walk for refreshment.
For those unfamiliar with 4050s, our group walks quite briskly; while this route isn’t demanding of terrain or distance, if you have concerns about fitness/capability please contact the walk leader in advance.
Meet Point (Description):
Corner of High Street and Colliers Lane
Grid Reference/Postcode SY846865/BH20 6BT
whatthreewords code: abacus.cavalier.hopefully
Any additional guidance to reach meet point:
Park free in Colliers Lane or along Spring Street, which is quite narrow, please park considerately. Meet point is found at the south end of Spring Street. You could even take the train to Wool (check timetable).
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/1495310
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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Corner of Colliers Lane and High Street
