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Home , Ballard Down, Bloxworth, Carhampton, Church Knowle, Macmillan Way, Macmillan Way West

FOOTNOTES Newsletter of the Dorset Area of the Ramblers Association ISSUE NO. 74 Summer 2016 The Dorset Area Inter Group Walks Sunday 17th July 2016 Choose a walk (or make your own way to the venue) and meet for a picnic at The Mary Baxter Memorial GR SY 936 823 (Map - OL 15) between 12:30 and 13:00 On the top of Knowle Hill, at a point were six paths meet, stands a memorial to Mary Baxter who died in 1988. She was a stalwart of the East Dorset Ramblers Group. Here’s a picture of it so that you will know that you’ve arrived to picnic. North Dorset Group Meeting Place: Sunnyside Farm, just south of Wareham on the road to Arne GR SY 937 863 Start time: 10.00 Distance: 9 miles. Moderate Purbeck Way, Heath and Creech Bottom Mostly heath,some boggy sections, climb to lunch spot. Two crossings of A351 Leaders: Jan and Graham 01963 362162 mob: 07713 328723 (day of walk only)

East Dorset Group Meeting Place: Challow Hill Walkers CP. GR SY 964 822 Start time: 10.30 Distance: 7.5 miles. Moderate Scotland and . Bus accessible, Wilts and Dorset 40 from /, alight East St, 5 mins walk to CP. Leaders: Margaret and Morven 01202 522467 and 01202 887494 mob: 07889 246685 (day of walk only)

East Dorset Group Meeting Place: CP (voluntary charge) GR SY 974 776 Start time: 09.30 Distance: 15 miles. Strenuous , Knowle Hill and Brenscombe Hill Leader: Ian 01202 319418

South Dorset Group Meeting Place: CP GR SY 881 802 Start time: 10.00 Distance: 11 miles. Moderate – hilly, one steep ascent. Smedmore Hill, Church Knowle and Grange Arch Leader: Kate 01305 772126 mob: 07733 171499 Continued on the next page South Dorset Group Meeting Place: Corfe Castle CP (West St near model village) GR SY 959 818 Start time: 11.00 Distance: 4.5 miles. Leisurely but hilly in places Knowle Hill, Cucknowle - Dogs by arrangement with the Leader Leader: Julia: 01258 269741 mob: 07595 492552

West Dorset Group Meeting Place: Houns Tout CP, Kingston GR SY 953 794 Start time: 10.30 Distance: 6 miles. Moderate Kingston and Church Knowle Leader: Cynthia Whyte 01300 320346 mob: 07498604486 (day of walk only)

Dorset Young Walkers Meeting Place: Quarry CP. GR SY 918 800 Start time: 10.30 Distance: 9 miles. Moderate Kimmeridge and Corfe Castle - Share cars if possible Leader: David mob: 07765 497887

Dorset 4050s Meeting Place: CP west of Kingston GR SY 943 792 Start time: 10.00 Distance: 10.5 miles. Moderate - hilly Swyre Head, Kimmeridge, skirting Corfe Castle Optional stop at end of walk Leader: Andy mob: 07786 377101

Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink if the weather is hot. No dogs unless otherwise stated.

2 The Ramblings of Three Rusty Zips and Cathay An occasional series on the meanderings of three late middle-aged gentlemen and a papillon through Dorset and beyond. ith summer fast approaching we decided to go a little further Wafield and plumped for The West with a link from , on the Ridgeway just walked, to the start of The Macmillan Way at . This “adventure” gave us some of the most challenging walks we had undertaken so far with the trek across being the most testing. Macmillan Way Link – 18/04/13 Lyme Regis to Swyre (15 miles) We drove to Swyre and caught the X53 bus to Lyme Regis. The bus was packed and we appeared to be the only fare paying passengers! Alighting at The Cobb in Lyme Regis we followed the to then up Stonebarrow Lane and skirting we arrived at The Anchor, for lunch. After a hearty lunch and Palmers Ale we left this five boot hostelry and continued along the coast path to just past Burton Mere where we turned inland for the steep climb back to the car at Swyre. A tiring, rain free day. – Stage 1 - 09/05/13 Swyre to Maiden Newton (15 miles) Again we drove to Swyre from where we walked to to join the South West Coast path to Abbotsbury and the start of The Macmillan Way. The weather forecast was for rain but this held off all day but a very strong wind made walking difficult in places. Passing a small round barrow we crossed the A35. Lack of meant a picnic in a barn just past Kingston Russell farm. Cathay enjoyed this as she could scavenge dropped pieces of food. After lunch we traversed the downs via the small village of Compton Valence to Maiden Newton. At Frome Vauchurch we stopped to view the old table top tombs in the little tree-shaded churchyard. Leaving the small church behind we continued to The & Cheese in Maiden Newton where spouse Diana met us for the drive back to our car. Macmillan Way West – Stage 2 - 16/05/13 Maiden Newton to Hartington Mandeville (14 ml) We drove to Maiden Newton on a glorious sunny May day with the occasional cloud. Leaving the town we joined the Wessex Ridgeway that we had walked only two months earlier as far as . We soon entered Cattistock, described by William Barnes as “elbow street Cattistock” due to the cluster of houses on a sharp hairpin bend. After walking through the deserted training centre at Chantmarle we soon arrived at the five boots Acorn Inn in Evershot for a long leisurely lunch of two hours enjoying the range of guest ales on offer as well as the excellent food. The Acorn was The Sow & Acorn in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles. At Clarkham Cross we soon started to drop down to Halstock. From here we crossed the railway line to the unspoilt hamlet of Pendomer whose small church has an effigy of a 14th century knight in armour. Not long after we reached The Mandeville Arms to be met by spouse Diana for our drive back to the car. Macmillan Way West – Stage 3 - 04/06/13 Hartington Mandeville to (16 miles) Another beautiful sunny day as we left by car for Hartington Mandeville. Crossing farmland we soon reached East Chinnock. A missed turn meant a hard climb up Ham Hill bringing back memories of The Monarch’s Way. Shortly after leaving Ham Hill we entered Stoke-sub-Hamdon with its 15th century priory now in the hands of the National Trust. Crossing the A303 we were soon at the four boot pub The Rose & Crown for a light lunch washed down with a couple of guest ales. At Gawbridge we entered the Levels which unfortunately became flooded the year after (2014) and I now wonder how many of the hostelries we passed have survived the financial ravages of the floods. Passing Kingsbury Episcopi church with its splendid Ham stone tower we shortly reached Langport to be met by spouse Diana at the Langport Arms Hotel. Macmillan Way West – Stage 4 - 06/06/13 Langport to Broomfield (16 miles) Leaving Dorset at 08:00 we arrived at Broomfield where we were met by Tizzy’s Taxis for the drive to Langport to start walking at 10:30 on a beautiful sunny day. During the morning we followed the River Parrett meandering across the with no change in elevation greater than 3 twenty feet. Although totally different from our home county the area is of great fascination with isolated villages and pumping stations. Lunch was taken at The Thatchers’ Arms in Moorland, an isolated pub with little lunchtime trade. Friendly, good low cost simple food with a free sausage for Cathay and excellent ale naturally earned this hostelry the five boots rating. Shortly after lunch we crossed the Bridgewater & Canal, opened in 1841 and restored in 1994; we could hear the roar of motorway traffic as we began our approach to and the end of the levels. Leaving North Petherton we very soon entered the Quantocks AONB with a dramatic change of terrain and Kings Cliff Wood gave welcome shade from the relentless sun. We ended the day with a 632 feet climb back to the car in Broomfield. The Macmillan Way West – Stage 5 - 27/06/13 Broomfield to (15 miles) Cathay the papillon was poorly, having recently been bitten by another dog, so it was just the Three Rusty Zips that drove to Bishops Lydeard railway station on the Railway. Here we were met by our taxi to take us to Broomfield to start our walk on a lovely warm sunny day. We enjoyed a pleasant walk on sunken lanes and farmland before climbing Cothelstone Hill with glorious views. Cothelstone Hill is considered by some to have the finest of all Quantock viewpoints taking in Brent Knoll, the Parrett Estuary, Bridgewater Bay, and the outlines of Exmoor. We continued to Wills Neck where we scrambled down a very steep escarpment path to The Blue Ball Inn at Triscombe for a sandwich and pint. The nine mile walk to Williton was through isolated country but slightly marred by the change in weather to high winds and driving rain. To steam buff Tim’s chagrin the train back to our car at Bishops Lydeard was diesel hauled and not steam. The Macmillan Way West – Stage 6 - 18/07/13 Williton to (15 miles) Cathay very ill and in intensive care. The Rusty Zips were joined by Bob and driven by Tim to Wootton Courtenay where we were met by the pre-booked Moor Rover for onward transportation to where we caught First Bus 28 to Williton. This was one of the hottest days for years with the temperature never dropping below 30ºC. We had numerous stops for tea or orange juice and lemonade whenever we spotted a likely venue (Torre Cider Farm also sells tea!). At we diverted to The Butchers’ Arms in Carhampton where we had a light lunch of soup and our usual ale replaced with orange juice and lemonade – the heat had really got to us! Following a green lane (Hill Lane) we soon re-joined the Macmillan Way and headed for Dunster where we stopped at one of the many hostelries for yet more orange juice and lemonade. Leaving Dunster we started the trek across Exmoor with the final few miles to Wootton Courtenay and our car. Before the long drive home we stopped off at The Red Lion Inn in Timberscome (now sadly permanently closed) for further refreshments. A long hot, tiring day. The Macmillan Way West – Stage 7 01/08/13 Wootton Courtenay to B3358 (16 miles) For the final two stages we decided to have B&B at The Exmoor Forest Inn at . Using OS Getamap and Goggle street view we found a large layby next to the crossing point of the trail and the B3358 where we could park a car. Cathay recovering but banned from walking by her vet so this two day excursion was just the Rusty Zips and companion Bob. Our walk was timed to coincide with a trip by Bob and his wife to stay at Bob’s sister in Barnstaple so two cars set off in convoy with sat navs set to 51º8’46.097”N, 3º49’7.424”W for the B3358 where one car would be parked and Bob’s wife would drive us back to Wootton Courtenay before continuing to Barnstaple. Just past Simonsbath we encountered long delays due to surface dressing on the B3358; eventually past the roadworks we reached our parking place. Consternation! The whole layby was filled with machinery, road chippings and workmen. It was a further ½ mile before we could find a parking place that did not obstruct either the road or field access. Unfortunately the only route back to Wootton Courtenay was through the roadworks so we set off an hour later than planned on another very hot day. From Wootton we walked through delightful woodlands of native trees before starting the hard climb to Dunkery Beacon, 1,707 feet above sea level. Reaching the summit we were treated to marvellous views and could just make out , Bodmin, the Mendips and Brecon Beacons. We stopped for a picnic lunch at Larksbarrow before crossing the River Exe at Warren Bridge and climbing a steep path to Cloven Rocks. This path, known locally as Postman’s Path, was too much for me and half way up my leg muscles went into cramp and I had to lie down for five minutes to

4 recover. All I can say is those Victorian postmen must have been a hardy breed! Thence followed some ridge walking before descending to the B3358. At this point heat had exhausted us all and it was with great relief we arrived at The Exmoor Forest Inn for a couple of pints of orange juice and lemonade. A long hot shower soon revitalised the body and an enjoyable evening was had with great food and copious ale. This was definitely a five boot location! The Macmillan Way West – Stage 8 - 02/08/13 B3358 to Barnstaple (21 miles) After beer, food and sleep four fully restored men drove back to the parking place on the B3358. The day was not as hot as the previous day but overcast and humid as we left Exmoor for the final trek to Barnstaple. The journey from the heights of Exmoor to the Bray Valley was one of delightful contrasts – heather clad moors beneath wide open skies, gentle farming valleys and deep woodlands. Just beyond wooded Tordown Cleave we stopped at Gunn for the substantial picnic provided by The Exmoor Forest Inn and taking in the fine views down the valley. We soon found ourselves in Landkey where we stopped for a rest as the humidity was starting to take its toll on us all. However we decided we would continue and followed the trail to Barnstaple railway station and the end of The Macmillan Way West. At the station it started to rain but within a few short steps we arrived at Bob’s sister’s house. What a feast appeared before our eyes. Both spouse and sister are excellent cooks and they did us proud. As dusk started to arrive Bob’s spouse drove the Rusty Zips back to our car on the B3358 and the long drive back to Dorset. Thirty seven miles in two days left us tired but exhilarated and determined to continue and find more adventures. Laurie Fairhurst Footnote Unfortunately The Macmillan Way was also the last Rusty Zip Walking Trip for Cathay the papillon. The injuries sustained when bitten by another dog brought on pancreatitis followed by autoimmune haemophilia which led to Critical Addison’s Disease. The latter condition results in a violent reaction if the body suffers physical exertion. For many of our subsequent adventures her place was frequently taken by our new companion Bob Holman.

Zip’s Boot Rating for Hostelries - The scheme has a maximum of five boots that can be awarded with five criteria: One - Is it papillon friendly? Two - Is the ale of good quality? Three - Is the food good? Four - Is it friendly and welcoming? Five - The overall ambience.

Ramblers – East Dorset Group Purbeck Plod – Sunday 10 July 2016 Start at Swanage Pier at 08 30 walkers (09 30 runners) (Entry on the day – Please arrive at least 15 minutes earlier) 25 miles via SWCP, Kimmeridge, , Corfe Castle, , Finish by 20 00 at All Saints Church Hall, Swanage A shorter 16 mile route is available for walkers only Entries and Information – please contact Event Secretary, 76 Road, Poole BH12 4BW Either email [email protected] OR click on the Purbeck Plod page online www.eastdorsetramblers.org.uk Can you help on the day please? We need marshals to help out at the Start and Finish and at Checkpoints. Please contact Lister Jackson – 01202 690495 Email - [email protected]

Footnotes is available by e-mail. Just send me an e-mail at [email protected] and also tell me which Dorset Ramblers Group you belong to. Until the E-Footnotes numbers reach a level where separation from the general mailing is worthwhile those electing for E-Footnotes will receive both versions

5 Changes to Rights of Way in Dorset rders affecting changes to the following rights of way have been confirmed since Issue 73 and effectively cover Othe period from January to April 2016. If you would like more details please send a DL (9”x4¼”) stamped, self- addressed envelope marked ROW to the Area Footpath Secretary (address on page 7) Note: PINS is the abbreviation for the Planning Inspectorate – the Government agency that deals with opposed Orders which are seeking to either:- • create, divert or extinguish rights of way • modify the definitive map and statement for an area They also deal with unopposed orders which require modification in some way.

Confirmed Orders (# identifies any New Numbers) FP55#: Modification to add footpath (from FP30 to FP34) Bloxworth BR10 (part): Diversion (Highways Act 1980, S119) East Stour FP7 (part): Diversion (HA 1980, S119) East Stour FP22 (part): Gussage All Saints BR10 (part): Modification to upgrade to RB16# Piddlehinton BR3 (part): Modification to upgrade to BOAT Piddlehinton BR4: Modification to upgrade to RB - See PINS Poole FP88 (part): Diversion (T&CPA 1990, S257 Shillingstone FP46 (part): Diversion (Highways Act 1980, S119) Sturminster Marshall BR21#: Modification to add bridleways at Little Coll Spetisbury BR29#: and Great Coll Woods. Thorncombe FP71 (part): Diversion (TCPA 1990, S257)

(Note that unless otherwise stated, the above Orders are also confirmed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(Section 53A (2)) Not Confirmed Orders Charminster BR18 (part): Modification to upgrade to RB. Inspector from PINS decided NOT to confirm the Order. Details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ uploads/attachment_data/file/502466/fps_c1245_7_37_od_map.pdf

Long Term Temporary Closures/Diversions under Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984: Section 14(1) (Note that unless otherwise stated, the following Orders are Under Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984: Section 14(1)) FP20 (part): From SY 6528 8142 to SY 6531 8148. From 15.02.16 to 17.05.16 Power cable installation. Alternative route available. Christchurch FP12: From SZ 1563 9256 to SZ 1567 9252. From 07.03.16 for 26 weeks. Construction work adjacent. Alternative route available. Corfe Mullen BR46: From SY 9803 9443 to SY 9890 9507. From 09.03.16 for 26 weeks. Severe wash- out of bridleway. Alternative route available. Hurn BR7: From SZ 1375 9680 to SZ 1370 9680. From 07.03.16 to 06.03.17. (extension). Work on A338. NO ALTERNATIVE ROUTE. Marnhull FP17: From ST 7755 1843 to ST 7758 1835. From 01.05.16 for 26 weeks. Construction work. Portland FP2: From SY 683 733 to SY 684 732. From 31.03.16 for 26 weeks. Footpath alterations. Alternative route available. Portland FP6: From SY 6858 7290 to SY 6830 7254 and from SY 6821 7207 to SY 6800 7181. From 13.04.16 for 52 weeks (extension). Landslips on both sections. Alternative route using SWCP. Portland FP16 (part): From SY 703 721 to SY 703 720. From 18.02.16 for 26 weeks. FP and wall unsafe. Alternative route available. Swanage FP26 (part): From SZ 0368 7862 to SZ 0388 7863. From 18.01.16 for 26 weeks. Construction work new RNLI Lifeboat Station. Alternative route available, signed SWCP. Weymouth FP25 (part): From SY 705 818 to SY 710 818, from 15.04.16 for 21 days (emergency). Landslips, making path non-existent. Alternative route using SWCP. (Likely to be extended). Weymouth FP59: From SY 666 831 to SY 666 829. From 18.02.16 for 26 weeks. Footpath falling into water course. NO ALTERNATIVE ROUTE. Wool FP15: (Rail crossing 20m)From 27.03.16 to 24.09.16. Footbridge installation.

Please Note: All the above closures are for Health and Safety reasons. Any person who uses or permits the use of the footpaths in contravention of any of the above orders will be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000. Jan Wardell

6 IN MEMORY OF PRISCILLA HOUSTOUN - 1916–2001 t was Wednesday the 13 April 2016 and high up on Ibberton Hill the sun was shining, the views Iwere spectacular and everyone was happy. What was happening? - the Ramblers were dedicating a memorial stone to Priscilla Houstoun. Why, you may ask and who was Priscilla?

The story begins in the 1950’s when the Rights of Way requirements of the ‘National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act’ had seemingly passed Dorset by. In stepped Ruth Colyer and her husband to successfully campaign for a registered network of Dorset Rights of Way. We now had the Rights of Way but at the time the Ramblers in Dorset were in disarray. In stepped Priscilla Houstoun, a retiree from a senior housing management position in , who had moved to Ibberton and was looking for a new challenge. With the help of Laurie Fairhurst, Priscilla took on the Secretary’s job for the Ramblers in Dorset. She set about winning the ‘peace’ and was very successful, even getting the Secretary of the NFU to give a speech at a Dorset Area AGM. Ramblers in Dorset have much to thank her for making the organisation the well-respected group that it is today, ensuring that all who live, work and play in the County work together in relative harmony on Rights of Way and countryside matters. Priscilla’s main love was the Dorset countryside, especially the sweeping downs near to her home. Priscilla dreamed of creating a walk along the hilltop paths where generations had walked and driven their animals. The Wessex Ridgeway was to become her legacy, conceived as starting in the east at Ashmore and finishing in far off Lyme Regis; a distance of some 62 miles. The success of her route led others to extend it into Wiltshire and there now is a recognised long distance trail from Marlborough all the way to Lyme Regis, and recorded as such on OS Maps. In the early 1990s Pricilla stepped down as Dorset Area Secretary. The Wessex Ridgeway had been created and Priscilla had written her Guide, the royalties of which were generously donated to the Ramblers in Dorset. The Guide was reprinted and has only recently gone out of print. Sadly Priscilla died in 2001 but she will be remembered by a stone and plaque located in a small car park high up on Ibberton Hill alongside Priscilla’s Wessex Ridgeway. This brings me back to Wednesday 13 April 2016 when a small group of Ramblers, members of Priscilla’s family (two of her nieces are pictured here) and her friends, together with representatives of the local parish and District councils and Countryside Team were present at the dedication. I am sure that Priscilla would have been immensely proud and those who pass by will be able to say a small thanks to her for creating the wonderful Wessex Ridgeway. Special thanks to Giles Nicholson and Graham Stanley of the North Dorset Countryside Team for their help in sourcing and installing the stone; to NDDC for permission to site the stone; to Jan Wardell for making the arrangements and to Laurie Fairhurst for much of the above text. Mike Heckford