This walk is very similar to one that Peter and Ray did in March last year.  It is however one of the few areas where the paths are dry even after heavy rain which has been a major feature recently.

The forecast was not very good but inspite of this one member of our group, who shall remain nameless, failed to bring a rain jacket. He tried to blame Peter, Ray and Clive for turning up too early to pick him up but we wouldn't have it.  Fortunately he had an umbrella.  As it turned out we were very lucky and only had a very little light drizzle during the day.

If following this route take care keep left and go around Victoria Tilery Cottage.  There are several cycle paths in the area and a little care is needed to keep on the right one but other than that it is a very straightforward walk.  There are no hills, no stiles and only very few gates so a good speed can be maintained.

The river was much closer to the car park than is normal and it was flowing at quite a rate and there were a few more signs of wind damage.   There were many more signs of planned forestry work some of which was carrying on in spite of the conditions.  Apart from the first and last stretches the walk is almost entirely through woodland so if it does rain there is usually some cover near by.

Lunch at the Snake Catcher was very disappointing.  Expensive for what it was and they even had problems cooking fried eggs properly.  Nothing like as good as our previous visit and not on the list for a return.

This walk started in a lay-by on the A354 just outside Blandford St Mary.  Although there is quite a good verge care has to be taken walking along the road as it can be very busy with large vehicles travelling at speed.

After about 600 yards walking towards Blandford there is a track going off to the left of the road.  It is in fact part of the old road leading to Blandford Bridge.

We walked throughout the arch and into Bryanston School grounds but shortly realised we should have turned off earlier onto Fair Mile Road.  A right turn at Lower Bryanston Farm then took us onto the path that loops around rejoining Fair Mile Road some 1 3/4 miles further along.  This was a pleasant stretch with woods and fields and quite reasonable underfoot. We stopped for coffee in Broadley Wood.  The scene here was somewhat similar to the one we saw last week in Wareham Forest with numerous trees having been uprooted and snapped off due the recent storms.

After a short section on the road we headed up Lady Caroline's Drive.  There are some pleasant views from here towards Blandford particularly nice because the sun was shining.  We had a short break for those who had any tea or coffee left just before South Lodge where we re-joined the A 354 to get back to the car.

Lunch was at the Fox and Hounds just outside Wimborne where they have some very reasonably priced food and are open all day.  Decidedly good value for money.

It was a wet drive to the Silent Woman but only light drizzle when we started walking.  Wareham Forest is always a reasonable bet for a few dry paths after heavy rain and it turned out to be a good choice today.
It was a good walk in spite of the weather and we all enjoyed getting out again after a bit of a break over Christmas and the New Year.
The recent winds had taken quite a toll on some of the conifers.  Some had been uprooted but some had actually been snapped off. Some of them with quite substantial trunks.
We got caught by several bursts of rain on the way round but never suffered from wet feet!
Our coffee break was at the old ruined house where we had a good look at an old but very hefty safe that was laying on the ground with part of one side having been taken out with an angle grinder.  We were sustained by Rita's exce

Liver and bacon for lunch was not bad but the mashed potato was probably the worst I have ever had in a pub.  Ray's was cold and got re-heated but it wasn't worth eating anyway - lumpy, wet and tasteless.  Reporting this to the staff did not get much of a response.

5.4 miles