Watch the birdie

DH, TO, BFS, PC, PCL, Sully, Bill

It was back across the county border into North Dorset again this week and just a short drive to our RV of Fifehead Magdalen, a small tucked away village, whose name is derived from “the place of five hides dedicated to St Magdalene”. Parking tightly and considerably outside the church and entrance drive to the Manor House, we headed back up the Main Street and turned left through a small locally planted area to mark the Millennium, as we started the short drop down towards the river Stour. With views over to Stalbridge half right ahead, Pete was soon in his element with his local knowledge and tales of “when I was a lad”. The Stour was running relatively low today but it’s clear to see the flood plain around it which I imagine would quickly fill in heavy weather. Sully of course made his usual trip into the clear waters, still only waist deep but he certainly felt better for his early morning dip. We crossed the river and on reaching the very edge of the sprawling town of Marnhull, the track turns left and following he contours of the river works it’s way back up towards the fishing lakes. Thankfully, prior knowledge allowed Sully to be put back on the lead in time, I think there might have been some unhappy anglers if he’d taken a running jump into the lakes!

Crossing the road, we headed at an angle across to Stour Provest. Some tricky stiles and electric fences, and a very confused and unhelpful Bill at times, slowed us down somewhat. On passing the rear of a large garden and house, 2 of Sully’s “cousins” made their presence known, he was quite happy to see some familiar faces and I am sure would love a garden of similar size to run around.

The path pops out onto the village leg road between a couple of properties and we headed down, past some very nicely and recently renovated buildings towards the river and weir. It was here that Trevor’s attention was taken by the beauty of the surroundings, as a Technology and woodwork teacher you could sense he was looking at the beautiful hand made window frames, doors and general construction of the buildings, but we were wrong! On the drive way a young (ish) lady tending her plot, he only had eyes for her!

The Pathway around the mill is very well fenced off, the owners are taking no chances with walkers trespassing on their hard earned land, but it was quite a surprise, with dogs on leads, to get a rather unpleasant and unnecessary shout from a chap in the fields to “keep those dogs away from the birds”. Being stubborn old men, we decided to stop at that point, and using the “safe as houses“ birds as our backdrop, to take today’s obligatory selfie. “Watch the birdie“ Yes, the feathered one Trevor!

We crossed the river and looked back, still muttering under our breath, wondering if any birds might be loose on the river, but coast clear, Silly was off the lead and in the water again and not a ruffled feather in sight. A steady climb back up towards the church and cars completed today’s walk.

A 5 minute drive down the A30 to the Udder Farm shop, a full house of breakfast takeaway sandwiches and another successful and fun day out added to the list. Certainly one to be repeated at some point.