We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
We shall commence our walk from Ansty, the birthplace of The Ansty and Badger brewery, started by Charles Hall in 1777. We now know this as Hall and Woodhouse, when back in 1847, Charles Hall formed a partnership with Edward Woodhouse.
Starting at the Fox pub we will pass some of the old Brewery buildings and descend to the river known as Mash Water, another relic of the village's history of brewing. We will leave the village and ascend via Higher Melcombe to overlook the coombe of Luscombe Bottom and then descend to The Dorsetshire Gap.
Now on the Wessex Ridgeway, we will follow it roughly east and ascend to Rawlsbury Camp where we will stop for lunch (weather permitting) .
After lunch we will pass Bulbarrow Hill and then descend ito the village of Hilton. A steep climb will take us to the ridge before we descend towards Bingham's Melcombe, former seat of the Bingham family , famous for Colonel John Bingham who was part of the besieging Parliamentarian Army who by persuading the Royalist, Lt ColonelThomas Pittman, to change sides, took over Corfe Castle without firing a shot. The infamous , Lord Lucan is a relative of the Binghams. We walk past the house and return via Mash Water to our start.
There are two long ascents and one additional steep ascent on the route and three corresponding descents. The paths are distinct but may well be muddy in places, or slippery where we pass over chalk. There are a mixture of stiles and gates throughout the route.
Please dress appropriately for the weather, boots ,waterproofs, layers and walking poles recommended. Please bring sufficient food and drink for the walk. We walk fairly briskly as a group but will take additional breaks on the ascents. If you have any concerns about the walk please contact the leader to discuss.
There are no toilets on route. No dogs please except assistance dogs.
Please park considerately in the village but do not use the pub car park.
To book a place on the walk please contact Tim by Whatsapp or SMS on 07825773363. Any questions about car share ,contact the leader who may be able to put you in touch with others to reduce our environmental footprint.
At the conclusion of the walk we will take optional refreshments at the Fox pub. (a change of footwear would be appropriate).
Coming from Dorchester or Blandford Forum, turn north from Milborne St Andrew to Milton Abbas (about 5 k) then follow signs for Hilton and then Lower Ansty, The Fox Inn is signposted.
