We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
Start time: 10.00 (approx. finish 15.00)
Mileage: 12.5
Walk Grade: Leisurely/Moderate
IMPORTANT: You need to book a place (see below) so I know clearly who is coming – this is mainly about total parking available as we’re relying on goodwill for space.
Walk Description:
A quite different and bigger variant on Horton walks we’ve run in the past. It’s on mostly solid paths, not too many stiles, and with only the occasional incline, and should not be wet/muddy except for one very short (shaded) section. We arrive in the village early on through fields, passing the old 15thC church and getting views at a distance of the prominent Sturt’s Tower, a renowned folly. Passing through the local golf club near Woodlands, then close to the site of the historic Monmouth Ash where a would-be king hid from the current monarch’s army at a time of 17th century rebellion. We then trace our way through extensive woodland comprising Ferndown Forest and Holt Forest, and on to Holt Wood. Beyond here the area becomes more open, a chunk of it on quiet roadways, passing an interesting area with its history shaped by the River Allen, which has been tastefully updated as a modern development, close to the village of Witchampton. We finally track the Allen a little, including through the extensive grounds of the Crichel House estate and join a short stretch of the Hardy Way as we wend our way back to our start point, where we will take refreshments.
It’s Father’s Day, so if you wanted a late roast please book in advance direct with the pub (01258 840252).
Note: ‘Leisurely’ is about the walk’s overall difficulty, not the pace. Our group walks quite briskly so while this route isn’t demanding of terrain, if you have any concerns about fitness/capability please contact the walk leader in advance.
Meet Point: Horton Inn Car Park, Cranborne Road, near Wimborne
Postcode: BH21 5AD
whatthreewords code: ultra.watch.rejoins
Any additional guidance to reach meet point:
It’s really important to car share wherever possible, not just to lighten our carbon footprint, but because we’ve gained the Horton Inn’s agreement to permit parking for a modest number of cars. Please park considerately and in the far left corner furthest from the main building.
Whatthreewords is more accurate, though you can use the postcode but to reach the car park (unless coming from Shaftesbury direction) you will need to turn off the main B3078 (the pub will be very visible to you at that point) and follow the road signposted to Moor Crichel and Gussage All Saints.
Booking info
Please buy (free) tickets via Ticket Tailor using the following link:
https://buytickets.at/walksfordorset4050ramblers/1737543
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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Horton Inn Car Park
