We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
The rather strange name of the walk, is not a plot for a 1930's Gorilla Movie but a walk from Godshill Ridge just East of Fordingbridge , on good paths and bridleways, through pastures, forest, rhododendron clumps and forest plains, to the outskirts of the quaintly named Wiltshire village of Lover, (actually pronounced "Lo Ver" rhyming with Dover. ) The Village comprising of a triangle of streets, was home to a Post Office till 2008 when it closed , however now a temporary Post Office opens during the week of Valentine's Day so that the cards can be stamped with "Lover.
We shall commence our walk from the free car park on Godshill Ridge and descend into Millerford Bottom and pass the ancient earthworks at Frankenbury Iron Age Hill Fort to enter Godshill Wood. We shall head through well established paths through forest and rhododendron hedges to the outskirts of Hale.
We then head Hale Purlieu to the outskirts of Lover for a photo opportunity next to the entrance to the village sign . We then head into Loosehanger Copse where we shall take our lunch stop.
After lunch we continue to Bramshaw Telegraph where we will hopefully experience fine views of Cranbourne Chase and the Purbecks in the distance before entering Pitts Wood and making our way back to the car park.
Post walk there will be optional refreshments at The Fighting Cocks pub allegedly frequented by Churchill and Eisenhower when discussing the Bouncing Bomb over a pint.
Our group walk at a fairly brisk pace but there will be short rest stops before and after lunch to break up the day.
Most of the walk is on good quality footpaths and bridleways, there is some road walking on relatively quiet roads. Where the path passes through rhododendron bushes they may be muddy after rain but generally speaking trail shoes or walking boots will be sufficient to cope with the conditions. There are a small number of stiles at the beginning of the walk. Ascents are relatively gentle throughout. There are no public toilets on the route. Please be mindful of ticks.
Please bring a packed lunch and suitable waterproofs if it looks like rain.
To book a place on the walk please SMS or Whatsapp Tim on 07825773363 , I may be able to assist with suggestions for car share.
No dogs except assistance dogs.
If coming from Ringwood or Salisbury turn off A338 at Fordingbridge and head East through Criddlestyle and pass Sandy Balls Holiday park into Godshill. On leaving the village you pass the Fighting Cocks pub on your left. Pass the first car park on your right after 500m and park at the next car park on your right a further 500m on.
