Dear Walkers,

LDWA walk – Sunday 4 December 
Along Guy's driveway and over the beacon to Dukum Hollow

A hilly 17 mile walk through chalk valleys, woods and hilltops in the Cranborne Chase AONB
with 2300ft ascent/descent.

Expect some rough grassland underfoot on open access land including a steep descent (into
Melbury Down/Wood - a valley below Compton Abbas airfield), muddy path sections and exposed
chalk surfaces on paths that can be very slippery.

Dog walkers: dogs to be kept on leads (unless shown as permitted on open access land). 
Please note you are likely to need assistance crossing Spread Eagle Hill (C13 road) from 
Compton Down to Melbury Down - the first stile goes over to the sloped road verge and both 
hands will probably be needed to negotiate and dogs need to be lifted over (no dog opening 
in fence).

We will pass through fields with cattle and sheep livestock.

Please bring a head or hand torch and good reflective strips and or high visibility clothing
-there is a short road section at the end of the walk back to Win Green. Be prepared for poor
light conditions.

Points of interest on route: the lovely Ashcombe Bottom, King John's House, view to Larmer
Grounds, Ashmore pond* (coffee stop if on time), Washer's Pit, Fontmell Wood/Down, 
Compton Abbas, Melbury Beacon, Dukum Hollow, the delightful Melbury Down valley and 
Melbury Wood.

The forecast for Sunday is cold and cloudy (fingers crossed no rain).

* There is a coffee vending machine near the pond (honestly!):But card only.

Look forward to seeing you next Sunday.

Please do not reply directly to this email as it is from an unmonitored email address used
for outgoing messages only. Walk leader contact details are on the Dorset LDWA website.

Best wishes,

Tracey

Dorset LDWA Walks Secretary