Dorset

July 2026

Well, this is one trip where we definitely didn’t need the waterproofs! Our weekend started out in blazing sunshine whilst we pitched the tents and it continued that way.

The weekend kicked off by as soon as our tents were pitched with some of us heading off to Swanage for a dip in the sea, with others retired to a shaded area with a book. Once all had arrived, we headed to the local pub (The Kings Arms) for an evening meal in their beer-garden with nice food and very nice beer, all accompanied by the ever-present sunshine. 

We were staying in the lovely ‘Toms Field’ campsite near to Swanage; a small farm site which had everything we could need - including a small cafe for breakfasts and morning coffee.

We had three days of lovely walking along the Dorset coastline interspersed with dips into the sea to cool down, at places such as Chapmans Pool, Dancing Ledge and Kimmeridge. All rounded off perfectly with the final day ending on a beautiful ridge walk high above the coastline with stunning views in all directions before we returned to our cars for the journey home. 

All in all, this year’s camping trip was blessed with the weather and the perfect spots to swim and cool down whilst enjoying walks along a beautiful part of the country. 

Alison and Steve

Evening Walk – Knepp rewilded estate
Monday 13th July 2026

Thirteen of us met in Dial Post with several prospective new members joining for the evening. Thankfully it was a little cooler and a perfect temperature to enjoy a walk around Knepp, not expecting to see many animals due to the heat.

We glimpsed fallow deer and rabbits in the undergrowth and heard woodpeckers, but no storks entertained us at the main nesting site. Further on we spotted mama pig and her piglets rootling in a dry ditch and then saw the Exmoors before being treated to a magnificent sunset.

Just over 6.6 miles, the walk took us 2.5 hours and we finished in the Crown for a final chat and refreshments.

Thanks to all who came along.

Sue

Patterdale Trip June 2026

Yet another heatwave. To ‘escape’, nine of us went to stay in the George Starkey Hut in Patterdale, a brilliant location for some serious fells. Unfortunately for us, the heatwave travelled north with us and we arrived to temperatures of 29°C plus. William bravely set to in the kitchen and produced a wonderful vegetarian lasagne and we all went upstairs, hoping to sleep.

We split into groups the next day; four set out to go up Helvellyn via Striding Edge but the extreme heat beat one member into submission, returning mid-morning. The others continued, finding a light wind higher up that cooled them slightly although the sun was ferocious. They returned via Swirral Edge and Catstycam – a long hard day. Two of us decided to stay lower and only attempted a single fell – Glenridding Dodd. The sheer climb up in full sun was draining and the route was changed to take us down the other side where the map showed tree cover; however the path here was badly eroded and required a lot of concentration and care to negotiate. At the bottom we paused and met up with the Helvellyn decliner, enjoying a paddle in Ullswater that cooled us considerably, before a nice cold drink and ice cream stop in Glenridding on our way back. Three others had gone off to walk around Gowbarrow Fell, after exploring Aira Force waterfalls. The 4 or 5 mile circuit proved extremely challenging in the heat.

Our final day dawned a little cooler but still very humid and we decided to mostly stick together, take the Steamer across Ullswater to Howtown, where we embarked upon a linear walk back to Patterdale via Beda Fell, passing the newer and older Martindale churches on our way. A relatively gentle pull up through bracken brought us up the nose and onto the ridge from where stunning views of the very remote Martindale and Boredale valleys opened up on either side of us. Gaining Boredale Hause, we had fantastic views to Brotherswater in one directiona dn Ullswater the other, and a delightfully rugged path down to the village where we were forced (!) into the White Lion for a breather. Another Merry Meal and on Sunday, we sadly departed for the long drive south. Big thanks to William and Philippa for the organisation and meal planning.

Trip Leader: William Neville

Sue

Day Walk – Whiteways Lodge
Sunday 7th June 2026

Thankfully the weather improved for our walk around the villages of Bury and Bignor.  We set off from Whiteways car park and followed Monarchs Way to Houghton stopping briefly (outside!) the George and Dragon to remember Charles II's escape from Oliver Cromwell's army.  The future King stopped at the pub on Tuesday 21st October 1651 for a much needed ale!  We then walked along the River Arun to Bury stopping at the old wharf for a tea break.  A ferry linked Bury with Amberley for many years.

 After walking through the historic church grounds we headed across country towards the village of Bignor.  Our lunch stop was at the Bignor Roman Villa (making use of their picnic tables and toilets!).  After lunch we walked around historic Bignor gazing at the beautiful thatched cottages.  After a nice flat walk we then tackled the climb up to the top of the Downs joining the South Downs Way for glorious views over the Downs and the wind rippling over the young shoots of wheat (or was it barley!).  We finished just before 3 o'clock back at the car park having walked about 10.2 miles with an elevation of 832 feet'.  A lovely walk enjoyed by all.

James