Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Stour Valley Path
The Path starts at Hengistbury Head where the Stour flows into Christchurch Harbour. It flows 60 miles northwards through the Dorset and Wilts. countryside to Stourhead where, we were told today, it has its origins as an overflow from one of the lakes at Stourhead.
Dave Downing and I started the 60 miles today with a 12/13 miler..............a little Winter project for the two retired gents. We shall tackle the rest on odd days over the next few weeks. A couple of photos herewith; early morning sunshine in Christchurch Harbour and Dave looking contemplative near the end of today's stroll! More on the Stour Valley Path to come. Keep blogging!
The Vine at Pamphill
A visitor to Wimborne who likes unspoilt local pubs ought not to miss The Vine! This is a tiny country pub run by Linda. She serves London Pride and usually a guest ale, and her bar snack menu goes no further than sandwiches or an authentic ploughman's...... i.e a man sized piece of cheddar, a matching slab of bread and a couple of pickled onions! The bar is crowded if eight drinkers decide to call on Linda but there is a charming little lounge with a log fire. It will seat a dozen people snugly! In the Summer, the Vine attracts the cricketers from nearby and if you are in the vicinity you should look out for the thatched cricket pavilion. How many of these are there in England? It also attracts people like me who have walked along the river bank for a quiet pint.
The Vine is a classic local; the sort that are hard to find; I hope it never changes.
I took this photo of the River Stour a couple of days ago after enjoying a glasss of London Pride. Another glorious late Autumn day; what a great life!
Ashmore, the highest village in Dorset
Just in case you think that I do nothing except visit local hostelries, a few words about the Dorset walks arranged by the redoubtable Ms.Liz Thornthwaite for the East Dorset Heritage Trust. These take place every month, they are of a minimum 8 miles and Liz has never repeated a walk in 16 years! What a lady! The November walk wandered through lanes and villages South of Ashmore on a most beautiful late Autumn day. Liz always has a feast of information for us on the history of the area. Here she is addressing her admirers after a leisurely lunch under a shady oak. A great day which included a peep across the fields at Madonna's local pad!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Ringwood Parish Church
and here's a picture of the lovely church on a cloudless day.
The White Hart at Ringwood
Having failed yesterday to include a pub photo, I'm trying again (having reduced the pixel size.........technical stuff!). Here goes.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
The White Hart at Ringwood
The weather is just beautiful! Blue, blue skies and frosty nights.
I 've been told that the best pint of Ringwood bitter in these parts is to be found at a place called The Star in Ringwood itself. So as a little diversion from Waitrose, I found the Star at lunchtime today. Would you believe it, the couple who run it were getting married today! Pub closed! So, not to be thwarted, I explored the High St. and ended up in the White Hart. Maybe not a classic, but a friendly local (and friendly locals), Ringwood available and a log fire to boot. So head for the lovely Church and you will walk right by it. Photos to prove what a glorious day it has been. Will try again at the Star and report!
I 've been told that the best pint of Ringwood bitter in these parts is to be found at a place called The Star in Ringwood itself. So as a little diversion from Waitrose, I found the Star at lunchtime today. Would you believe it, the couple who run it were getting married today! Pub closed! So, not to be thwarted, I explored the High St. and ended up in the White Hart. Maybe not a classic, but a friendly local (and friendly locals), Ringwood available and a log fire to boot. So head for the lovely Church and you will walk right by it. Photos to prove what a glorious day it has been. Will try again at the Star and report!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
The Cross Keys locals
Another attempt to show you the sort of folk you can expect to meet at the Cross Keys at Mannington!
The Cross Keys at Mannington, Nr. Wimborne
Fellow beer drinkers,
I'm still struggling a little with the technicalities of all this Blog technology Am also a little jaded after a two session day yesterday the start of which was at this local establishment which I thoroughly recommend to all who would appreciate a pint of best Badger in local surroundings, an unchanged, unadorned country pub where Viv's Steak and Kidney Pie at £5.75 is regarded locally as unbeatable. I realise that if this Blog is to be acknowledged world wide as compulsory reading for travellers to Wimborne, I shall have to provide all details of the various little gems on which I occasionally write. Be patient and I'll get there. Suffice to say that three of us enjoyed our Badger yesterday as illustrated by the photo herewith.
Peter
On first attempt the photo disappeared. Second try! Failed...........a pity as it's a good one of the locals. Will retry tomorrow.
I'm still struggling a little with the technicalities of all this Blog technology Am also a little jaded after a two session day yesterday the start of which was at this local establishment which I thoroughly recommend to all who would appreciate a pint of best Badger in local surroundings, an unchanged, unadorned country pub where Viv's Steak and Kidney Pie at £5.75 is regarded locally as unbeatable. I realise that if this Blog is to be acknowledged world wide as compulsory reading for travellers to Wimborne, I shall have to provide all details of the various little gems on which I occasionally write. Be patient and I'll get there. Suffice to say that three of us enjoyed our Badger yesterday as illustrated by the photo herewith.
Peter
On first attempt the photo disappeared. Second try! Failed...........a pity as it's a good one of the locals. Will retry tomorrow.
