Details are all in Strider. but as an update

Please meet at the "green triangle with a tree"  in the village (near the church)   GR ST 835 046. You may have to park on road in the main street.  Please do so carefully and considerately.

I don't normally publish exact details,  or try to provide maps of  social walks beforehand.  However,  I have been asked for a general indication of the route :

Starting from  Winterborne Stickland , the walk will visit (in a roughly clockwise direction)  Milton Park Wood, Winterborne Houghton,  Ibberton Hill,  Ibberton,  Belchalwell Street,  Turnworth Down,  and  part of Blandford Forest and  returning possibly via Durweston.  Part of  Turnworth Down is a nature reserve and there are the remains of  a rare "wood pasture". I may try to perambulate this a bit,  if time permits and the weather is good enough. 

If you look at an OS  map (Explorer 117 or Landranger 194) of the area, it will  give the general idea. This part of Dorset is fairly hilly, but  most  of the ascents are long and gradual, except  for a short steep section  just after Belchalwell Street,  up to Turnworth Down.

 The route could  be shortened,  if anyone wants / needs to duck out and return a bit earlier.  If anyone thinks that they might decide to do this, please  bring your  own  map,  and I will assume you have  the basic map reading skills.

 I may vary the intended route slightly on the day, depending on weather and conditions underfoot. I have not yet done a  full reconnaissance,   but hope to check it all later this week

We will stop mid - morning / afternoon  for coffee / snacks (bring your own).

The pub at Ibberton is now apparently permanently closed (what a shame) so bring your own lunch,  and something to drink.  

One thing that does need saying - particularly if you are walking with us for the first time:  our  walks start  promptly at 0900 am. OUr group policy is that we do not wait to see if there are any late arrivals, because this is too open ended.  From experience, if someone is going to come, they will arrive in plenty of time – or not at all.

My mobile on the day ( which I will try to remember to switch on) is 0791 955 2935

 Regards

 Mike Childs

DORSET LDWA GROUP SECRETARY