Saturday 3rd September 2022 - DH, BFS, TO, AC, DL & Sully
After missing all walks through the month of August, for which I must thank those who kept them going in my absence, it was good to be back at the helm for todays second visit to Sturminster Newton this year. Also a big thanks and best wishes to Pete Prescott who for health reasons has left our group and to Iain Phillips who hopefully will still join us occasionally, but has moved away for well earned retirement and relaxation to South Devon over the summer. Initially 6 of us ‘signed up’ but a late withdrawal following an unfortunate altercation with a bee, saw Rich & Scrumpy sit this one out, the former nursing a swollen foot courtesy of one of the little blighters unwelcomed attention. Of course, despite missing the walk, he has been the brunt of much mirth since then, well we wouldn’t expect anything less!
We met at the main Car Park and after waiting some time for Trevor to work out how to operate the ticket machine (I think he was looking for the discount button) we headed off through the town and down a narrow and quiet lane towards the river. At the end of the lane a small track took us sharply downhill and into the wooded area that forms much of the flood plain, although after this summers hot weather even the small bridges and the raised boardwalk sections only crossed dry land. As we approached the river the remains of the old S &D railway bridge came into view, abandoned since the lines closure in 1966. Heading under one of the remaining arches we made our way upstream on the eastern banks, through wooded areas before coming out into a large open field with the most northern houses of the town peering over the ridgeline and enjoying great views westwards over the river and beyond.
At this point as we passed through a docile flock of sheep who were not in the least interested in Sully, we opted to follow the river bank as it meandered northwards towards Cutt Mill. There was not a lot of life on the river although we did spot a couple of heron and a buzzard, and Sully disturbed a solitary fisherman on the banks as he took another short dip into the water. There was good sheep fence seperating the flocks from the path and river up most of the walk, although at one point we came across 2 stranglers on the wrong side who were desperate to get back through and rejoin their mates. We corralled them along until they seized their opportunity and got back through a large gap under the gate, it was that big I’m amazed more had not been out on the other side for a mornings excursion.
As we approached the small wood and having declined the option to loop back at this stage, a more undulating pathway through it too us away from the river and out onto the road above the ruined mill. Unfortunately no time to pop down the lane for a phot, but plenty to take on board much needed sugars courtesy of Dereyk”s goody bag.
Only 50 metres up the track we turned back into the wood and started to head for home. Unfortunately there was still a bit of early morning haze as we came out of the woods and looked back, but it was still a very pleasant rural Dorset background against which we took this weeks selfie. Crossing an all weather gallop it was clear we were now in “horsey” territory as we made our way around the William Fox Pitt training establishment and yard. A steady descent then brought us back to the open field from where we retraced our steps back in Sturminster and the conveniently located Stur of the Moment cafe right on time at 11.00.
It’s good to be back on track again, after all what more do Saturdays need? A 4 mile walk, plenty of banter, good scenery and a cracking breakfast!
So next week will be a Friday evening walk and the second meal with our good ladies this year, Just waiting now for our invitation to South Devon at some point.
Heres to many more great mornings out through the closing months of 2022, if you know of anyone else who qualifies to join such an illustrious group, please let them know about us.
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