We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
IMPORTANT: You need to book a place (see below) so I know who is coming – it’s unlikely, but timings may change, dependent on weather conditions. I would email on Saturday in the event of any changes.
Walk Description:
This walk is a bit shorter than many as we’re on a mission to be back at Winterborne Whitechurch in good time to join the free 3pm Christmas concert at the church, where Canzonetta (one of our group is a member) will be performing their varied repertoire of ‘close harmony songs and carols’. It includes refreshments afterwards.
If you love broadleaf woodland (even in wintertime) this one’s for you. It’s hilly in places, with one long climb, but not too many stiles. We leave the village on good paths and in no time we’re into our first leafy stretch. In mid-November there was still plenty of colour clinging doggedly to the trees, but by now you’ll find most of it as a thick carpet of ochres and golds, offering a bit of slippery fun. We pass through Whatcombe villages into more woods, seeing other Winterbornes (Clenston and Houghton) as we go, before climbing quite steeply to reach Crincombe Bottom, then dropping through dense glades on the Milton Abbas Heritage Trail to pause at historic St Catherine’s Chapel, taking in the superb lofty view of Milton Abbey. We take a lunch break at Steeptonbill Farm Shop, where a hot chocolate may be welcome, before pressing on to our last wood above Milton Abbas, then the last couple of miles on mostly firm wide tracks back to our start point.
Note: our group walks quite briskly; while this route isn’t demanding of terrain or distance, if you have any concerns about fitness/capability please contact the walk leader in advance.
Please bring a few coins to offer as a donation, which I’ll collect for the village hall fund (as they have offered us the car park’s ten spaces). The same goes for the church (if you are attending) as they do not do card machines.
Meet Point (Description):
Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall, Dolway Lane
Grid Reference: ST836002
Postcode: DT11 0AW (DO NOT USE)
whatthreewords code: gratuity.validated.beaker
Additional guidance to reach meet point:
DO NOT USE THE POSTCODE! Ideally use whatthreewords.
We can use, and are meeting, at the village hall car park, but in the event of overspill you should find kerbside space in the village. Please arrive in good time as we need to start promptly, and car share wherever possible to lighten our carbon footprint!
If you have to use Google Maps use 'St Mary’s Church, Chescombe Ln, Winterborne Whitechurch'. As you drive up the lane (church on right ahead of you) you will see a right into Dolway Lane. Take this and shortly find the hall on the right.
Booking info
Please buy (free) tickets via Ticket Tailor using the following link:
https://buytickets.at/walksfordorset4050ramblers/1956488
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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Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall, Dolway Lane
