The Big Relec Desert Walk 2019

Our managing director, Peter Lappin has now showed exactly what he’s made of! He’s pushed his endurance skills to the limit with a 5 day 100km trek across the Sahara desert.  Well done Peter, we are all extremely proud of you.

His challenge went beyond the Jebel Saghro region, a forbidding landscape punctuated by peaks, gorges and oases. It is the land of the Ait Atta tribe, who migrate here from the High Atlas Mountains in winter. The first day in Morocco is spent crossing the Maider El Kbir plateau and passing rose dunes.

A challenging climb up Jebel Lamrakeb is well worth it. Walking through palm gorges, the route joins the dry Rhris River and heads towards an oasis of tamarisk trees. The final days were spent trekking along the Tikertouachene River, before celebrating in Ouarzazate. Peter’s aim is to raise £6000 for the brain tumour charity  and he is is tantalisingly short of his target. For every pound raised through Peter’s just giving page, Relec will match this amount. Scroll down and keep scrolling for his training blog and read right for a report on the event itself!

Training Diary – Walk one – Sunday 7th October – Corfe Castle So training has begun..I had previously done a couple of walks to see how I got on before signing up, ( I have never walked for enjoyment..!) They were on flat ground. I did manage 10 miles but my knees were seriously complaining by the end of it. I am working on the basis that as I get fitter my knees will be supported by the extra muscle. Yep I am not a doctor, no one has suggested this, so fingers crossed. So yesterday I decided I should try a few hills. We live in a beautiful part of the country (other beautiful parts of the country are available!) so decided a 6 mile walk out of Corfe would fit the bill. It was a beautiful day so perfect to start to break in my new boots. I left Corfe and started up the steep incline to Knowle Hill. As you walk along the ridge the views are just amazing, who would have thought! The Purbeck coast to the left and Wareham forest to the right together with the amazing Poole harbour. I saw two guys braving the cold to fly their gliders, thought it made a great pic. I then turned down towards the hamlet of East Creech, again with fabulous views over Poole harbour. Through the village and past the typically and very pretty Dorset duck pond and resisted the tea rooms! Then after a short amount of road walking I turned into Norden wood which apparently was once a clay mining area and there are lots of small pools formed from the clay pits. Amazing through here. I saw two deer, the second I am certain reacted to a birds warning call, it was just instant. They were far too quick to grab a photo though. Then it was a short climb back towards the ridge. More woods before emerging with another fabulous view of Corfe Castle. I could have cheated and gone back to the car as it was only a few yards away but decided to finish properly in Corfe village, after all isn’t that the point?? What was on my mind was that this walk was 6 miles, the longest day in the Sahara will be 17 miles. So another two circuits worth, but in the desert heat….blimey…. Walk two- Sunday 14th October – Badbury Rings Sunday 14^th was a day of pretty horrible weather. However as its beginning to dawn on me what’s involved, and with only 10 Sundays until Christmas I really need to improve my fitness. So a walk out of Badbury rings seemed to fit the bill. Advertised as a 7 mile walk it didn’t offer the same challenges as last week, but I need to build up slowly as last Monday my hips were really painful.. Badbury Rings dates back to the iron age, and latterly the romans used it as a complex junction which incorporated 5 roman roads. Some of which are still used today. This was a walk for view across the very open Dorset countryside skirting the grounds of Kingston Lacy house although for the whole walk there was literally a glimpse of the house as advertised in the walk book. As the walk passed the Pamphill shop there was an old Forge which looked fairly derelict. Looking through the window though was like looking back 100 years, with not a sign of any modern equipment, and as dark as you imagine the turn of the last century would have been in such workshops. Not possible to get any pictures inside unfortunately. A brief stop for amazing cake and a coffee at Pamphill, before setting off for the second half of the walk. Finding the trails can be a bit of challenge, and some debate as to which was the right path back up to Badbury Rings was had. A bit of a climb back up to the old fort with amazing views to the North, or was it South, or South West, I got rather confused! A brief walk around one of the outer rings back to the car park , where an ice cream van was waiting. Well it would be rude not to indulge wouldn’t it, and I have to say was very welcome. So feeling quite good after this walk, although with the longest day of the challenge being 17 miles in the Sahara in 30+ degrees, I still have a long way to go, so next week I will make it a little tougher.

Walk three- Sunday 21st October – Bulbarrow Hill & Milton Abbas A planned 8 mile walk with some hills. Starting to introduce some more difficult terrain as I need to get stronger and improve my stamina.. I have been breaking in my boots which have been rubbing a little around the ankles, but this week I am using my new high tech day sack for the first time, which I was fortunate to receive for my birthday. I didn’t know such kit existed, but includes ‘cooling chimneys’ which are designed to stop your back sweating, so lets see how well it works! Bulbarrow Hill is the second highest point in Dorset (274M). The walk takes you through some fabulous woodland and through a village called Milton Abbas which is an archetypically Dorset chocolate box view. Built by Joseph Damer around 1773 after he demolished the original village because it spoilt his view from his new pile! The walk provides some great open views, woodland, and gives an insight into the lives of people living in the backwaters of Dorset that you would never otherwise see. I used to live very close to this area, but never knew these places existed. The walk starts at Bulbarrow takes you through Ochill wood through to Winterborne Houghton. Some wild ponies encountered on the way. Here is a very steep climb from Whiteways Farm, I have to say I struggled, towards Milton Abbas through Milton Park wood. A great refreshment stop at the Hambro Arms, just as well as I left the water bottle at home, before setting off to Milton Abbey  which is now a school. Rather bitter sweet memories of getting thrashed at Rugby when I was a school kid here! The walk then climbs steeply again onto another ridge which is mostly woodland. There was a lovely memorial to a young guy that had been built by his family, taken at 32 years old, he obviously used to enjoy his motorbike through the various trails and paths. This walk has some gloriously Dorset names including Crincombe Bottom and Sqibbs Knoll, perfect inspiration for anyone writing a child’s book I feel. The walk finished back at Bulbarrow. I walked in a T shirt all the way around, it was so warm. And yep the day sack was amazing, no soreness and kept me cool, fingers crossed it works as well in the heat of the desert….

Walk Four– Saturday 27th October – The Heart of Hardy Country Here is my latest  instalment of my training walks trying my best to prep for my 100K walk in the Sahara Desert to raise money for the brain tumour charity. This week was a 9 mile walk in Thomas Hardy country passing Hardys Cottage. A busy place for obvious reasons, Hardys cottage is a big tourist attraction. Then a lovely walk through Puddletown Forest, before climbing to the Ridge way and Waterston Ridge, with fab views back over Puddletown Forest. This is the second walk where we have come across a memorial to young people in the middle of nowhere. This time the young mans name was Richard Spicer just 21 years old. Surely a sad story but a beautiful memorial. Then back down the hill to Stinsford Church where Hardys Heart is reputedly buried together with his two wives, and the poet Cecil Day Lewis. yes ok not all in the same grave…! Then through Thorncombe wood and back to the car park. Pretty tired arriving back to the car, so the thought of doing the same again in 30+ degrees is still very daunting! Walk Five– Sunday 4th November – Kimmeridge Bay and Swyre Head Mirages in the rain.  This Sunday was the first time to the Purbeck coast with its very steep climbs. I picked this one as I am no where near fit or strong enough to tackle any distance along this coast, this walk has one or two harder climbs but that’s it. This was also the first time walking in the rain, a very grey and wet morning. The walk starts just above Kimmeridge and makes its way to the bay. I decided to carry a donation ‘tin’ on my day sack, I did manage a couple of small donations and to chat about the charity which was great! The route then winds up Hen cliff past Clavell tower, which was once a folly but now a private property that can be rented, except its booked until 2020 apparently! The route continues along the cliff edge, which in places seem to be falling into the sea with large shrinkage cracks along the footpath. The farmer appears to have moved his fence back in places leaving walkers to take their chances! There is then a very long steep climb up to Houns-tout. Very muddy here and a really testing climb, but on a good day views as far as Bournemouth and the isle of Wight. Today it was very grey, so will need to do this walk again in better weather, to be able to enjoy the views and get some decent pictures. It was this part of the walk where we were looking for a bench mentioned in the walking notes, to have a cup of tea and a bite to eat. Not wearing glasses because of the rain, and struggling to see in the gloom, we were a little tired and had marked the bench as a good rest stop. I was convinced we had reached it but it turned out to be an old fence …very annoying when it came into focus, the second I was very sure about, totally convinced….until I had to concede it was a small line of bushes…I didn’t know you experience mirages in the rain! (OK I know not technically mirages, more a case of Mr Magoo syndrome but call it poetic licence..) Will probably be seeing Starbucks in the Sahara… Then turned North towards Kingston, with a view over the Encombe estate nestled in the valley. Once reaching Kingston its time to loop round over a ridge to a high point, giving even greater views over the coast in both directions, again on a bright day this would be even more amazing.. Then the last mile or two back to the car park. The hardest walk by far yet around 9 miles, so two circuits of that will be my longest day in the desert, in 30+ degrees. Its only 16 weeks away apparently, yes very nervous!

Walk Six- Sunday 11th – Broad Chalke and the Ox Grove For my latest training walk in prep for my desert charity trek I decided to head north to do a 9 mile walk in Wiltshire. Starting in Broadchalke we headed through the country lanes and tracks towards Bowerchalke. Broad Chalke is also the home of the Gurston down hill climb that I hope to compete in next year, if I ever get my car finished! We passed through a farm which had a beautiful barn type building still sitting on staddle stones which is a reasonably rare sight these days. Staddle stones lifted the buildings above ground to protect the contents from water and vermin. They tend to be used as garden ornaments these days! We continued through a hamlet called Misselfore climbing gently into the valley of Cross Bottom (I decided against a purile joke..!) continuing to climb until we reached the Ox Drove. This is a byway, so is used by walkers, horse riders, 4×4 owners and motorbikes for recreation. The byways provide endless miles of fun! Stopping for a short break the walk continued for around 5km along the ridge and through some woodland giving some fabulous autumn views. Then it was back down the hill towards Broad Chalke, through the slightly eerie sweetcorn field. A good 9 mile walk that took 3 hours. Walk Seven- Sunday 18th – Purbeck coast from Durlston Head Sundays walk took me south to the Jurassic coast again starting at Durlston Country Park. Training here is good as there are some climbs, not to mention the scenery. The desert walk will involve 2 x 17 mile days apparently, in 30+ degrees, which is going to be very tough for me I think, so want to be in the best shape possible. Here is the great Globe weighing 40 Tons which is a testament to the mason’s art. This walk passes the lovely named Tilly Whim Caves and Dancing ledge. This part of the coast is scattered with the remains of quarrying the famous Portland stone and Dancing ledge is an example of a man made feature used to transfer the huge pieces of stone onto boats to leave for Swanage and ultimately London. The coast line is breath-taking and with rough sees quite dramatic After the coast I head north to Worth Matravers and pass a pub called the square and Compass, named from the villages quarrying days. Then its along the Priests way on the ridge. Very windy along here, but great views across Swanage, and I can hear the whistle of the steam train being carried on the wind, fabulous. After 11 miles its back to Durlston head and much needed cup of tea! Walk Eight – Saturday 24th– Cranborne and the Allen Valley – 9.5 miles

A very wet, windy and grey day! Today’s walk should have been spectacular with fabulous views over Cranborne chase but the weather had other ideas! Winter is now well and truly here with all the lovely golden leaves pretty much gone from the trees. The walk started in Cranborne Square, Cranborne was once the Chases administrative centre and boasts a church with a 13^th century nave and rare 14^th century paintings. In addition is Cranborne Manor, one of the earliest domestic buildings in the country. The walk starts through Burwood, then off into huge open spaces crossing the little river Crane. Then proceeding through more woods to the Monkton Drove before reaching Monkton up Wimborne, (don’t you just love these names?!) Then it’s across the River Allen, where I saw both a buzzard and a heron looking for his lunch, then start heading back round the loop to Wimborne St Giles. The across a very muddy field back to Cranborne where there was a great view of the Cranborne Manor. Sorry the pictures aren’t so dramatic this week , but very difficult when everything is grey! Walk Nine- Sunday 2nd – Sixpenny Handley and Pentridge 10.5 miles

This was a pleasantly surprising walk with much mystery, interest with great views and fabulous countryside. It started in Sixpenny Handley, often written as 6D Handley, although it has nothing to do with money. The name is derived from two medieval Hundreds (administrative division that is geographically part of a larger region) ‘Sexpena’ (Saxon Hilltop) and ‘Hanlega’ (high clearing) which by the 14^th century were united as the Hundred of ‘Sexpenne et Henle’ This village was also home to the dreaded Isaac Gilliver (1745-1822) whose smuggling operations stretched from Poole to Lyme Regis! Within a mile or so the strangeness started…first an upturned wellington boot on a post in the middle of two fields. Then we encountered random boxes with lids on, sitting on pallets amongst some trees. Couldn’t leave them without taking a look, they turned out to be beehives as I found out when lifting the top off! Then before crossing the A354 we encountered a shipwreck, yes…with a skeleton and a lobster pot, which obviously looking at the poor chaps weight loss had been empty for some time! Then it was up onto Pentridge Down, this was glorious with views either side. The sun shone and it was T shirt weather for an hour or so. Would thoroughly recommend a walk up here it has everything, open space, woodland and amazing views. Then it was down into Pentridge, a beautiful cut off quiet village. Then back over the A354 to learn about the Trafalgar way, very interesting see the pic! The last few miles were also hugely interesting taking us through an RSPB managed ancient wood, Garston Wood which actually is left to pretty much its own devices and was incredibly beautiful. This is worth a trip on its own! Then it was back to 6D Handley and a well deserved cup of tea! I love the Jurassic coast near here but this was very much on a par. Walk Ten- Sunday 16th – Worth Matravers, St Aldhems Head and Chapmans Pool – 7 miles So after a missed week where I was away and also ill with Man flu, its back to the training. Saturday was a wash out so had to take it easy at the Christmas Party on Saturday so I could get out on Sunday. This was a shorter walk, but quite strenuous with several steep ascents. Starting at Worth Matravers near the Square and Compass pub, I then walked along the priests way until I turned right and headed for the coast to Dancing ledge. Mentioned in a previous  blog this was one area where the infamous Purbeck stone was loaded onto boats bound for Swanage then onto London. Then it was a trek along a very muddy coastline. No way other than to walk through the mud. I have to say though I am seriously impressed with my boots. Not cheap but they are super comfortable and totally waterproof! Then it was onto a discussed quarry, Winspit, which still bears the hallmarks of its time when it was producing high quality stone for London. Easy to imagine it working at full tilt during its hey day. Loads of history here, including it being used as a set for Dr Who and Blake’s 7! Home also to some fascinating wildlife including the endangered Greater Horseshoe bat. Once through the quarry which is pretty difficult to navigate in the poor weather it was onto St Aldhems Head the home of a Chapel which originally dates back to the 13^th Century, but has since been rebuilt in the 19^th Century.   Its then time to negotiate a very steep hill down and then up. Steps are cut into the hill to help, but this is a hard work! Then its along past a Royal Marines memorial to the beautiful Chapmans pool and circling back to Worth Matravers. There is great 2^nd world war history in this area, Renscombe down was the nerve centre of the UK’s radar development. I would encourage you to look it up, its fascinating!

Walk Eleven- Saturday 22^nd December – Corfe Castle – West Creech Hill looping back round via Swyre Head – 10 miles

First of my Christmas training walks. The challenge is getting closer now, but determined to be able to complete it for those people struck by Brain tumours and the good work the Brain Tumour Charity does. Please find it in your hearts to donate, you can do so here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/peter-lappin1

This was a lovely 2 ridge walk out of Corfe castle towards West Creech, then dropping down towards Kimmeridge Bay before a long ascent up to Swyre Head which I am getting to know quite well!

Just amazing views from both these ridges and the weather was quite moody which made for some great pictures.

Walk Twelve – Tuesday 25^th  December – Corfe Castle loop – 6 miles

Xmas day was a great day to go out. Really quiet and peaceful and very atmospheric. I did get a shock when in my own little world on Knowle Hill a jogger appeared from behind out of no where. Frightened the bejesus out of me!

It was a little after that I ran into a great guy who was out on a Christmas day cycle ride. He was making a little video to wake up his mates. His enthusiasm for everything was amazing and he made a cash donation there and then. Its such a pleasure to meet lovely people totally expectantly.

I decided on a short walk on xmas day just to enjoy the outdoors and clear my head before the excesses of later in the day! Oh and in case you’re wondering yes I have cheated with the pics and used some from when I did this route previously as I was being lazy not taking any pictures…well it was xmas day!

Walk Thirteen – Friday 28th  December – Sturminster Marshall to Wareham – 16 miles

So this was my first longer distance walk in my training to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Charity. In the Sahara the longest day is 18 miles followed by 17 the next day and then 14. So decided I needed two longer back to back walks. I went with good friend and colleague Cherry and her husband who are keen walkers and suggested the route. There was not too much climbing on this walk which was ideal. Parts of this were very close to where I live, but its really interesting when you are walking you don’t recognise anything! What’s nice is that it gives you a new perspective on your surroundings.

We crossed a couple of busy roads including the A35 which is where I was amazed at the beautiful river or stream we came across near the Mill at Morden. This is lterally just off the road that I have driven along hundreds of times but never knew it was there. The lovely pic of the morning mist coming off the water is the one! Fab..

We then walked across Wareham forest to an old hill fort where we stopped and had lunch with great views, even seeing the inescapable Corfe Castle in the distance!

It was then into Wareham stop briefly at the quay and back to the office to pick up the car we dropped off earlier. When I got home my legs completely seized up and could barely walk, however I had planned and was determined to complete a 14 mile walk the next day..

Walk Fourteen – Saturday 29^th December – Corfe Caste to Swanage via St Aldhelms Head – 14.5 miles In aid of The Brain Tumour Charity

To donate please go to my just giving page here

The second of my back to back walks started again in Corfe, a different route out across Corfe common then making a beeline for St Aldhelms Head. Then it’s along the coast to Swanage. Not long after starting out I could see Kingston ahead just to my left….it should have been on my right according to the map, so I had to double back. Very muddy through here although it turned out not as muddy as the coast path.

I had to tackle the steps just to the west of St Aldhelms Head once again, but I figure its great for building strength, turns out this is a walk in the park compared to a later walk I would do!

I met a guy jogging along the coast path and he stopped for a quick chat. Talked about the usual, where are you going etc. Turns out he was going to Corfe, but probably by a longer route. When I asked him where he had started he said Corfe! So that’s a good 20 miles across that terrain, serious respect and makes me realise how much more could be achieved.

Then it was along the coast to Durlston head and round to Swanage. I was extremely tired by the time I reached here, and it turned out my left knee became really stiff and quite painful for the next few days which put paid to any more walking until New Years Day. Just as well I caught the bus back to Corfe!

Big Desert Walk! Training Walk Fifteen – Tuesday 1^st January – Ridge, Corfe castle loop – 10 miles In aid of The Brain Tumour Charity

Please help by going to my just giving page here

After the two back to back walks the previous Friday and Saturday, I was struggling with my left knee so decided to rest for a couple of days. New Years day walk was 10 miles but not so much ascent to try and take it a little easier. Starting in Ridge behind Stoborough near Wareham I threaded my way South East towards, yes you guessed it Corfe Castle.

The weather was glorious first thing in the morning, I try to be walking by 9am. This area is so different and mainly heath land, but beautiful. Reaching Corfe from a different angle, it was nice to see it from a different perspective. Crossing the train tracks for the Swanage steam railway also felt a bit nostalgic and exciting! We’re not allowed to do such things these days are we??!

Then it was a climb up to what must be my favourite ridge Knowle Hill before dropping down quite quickly past Furzebrook and across the heath back to the van for a cup of tea!

Big Desert Walk! Training Walk 16 –Sunday 6^th January – Worth Matravers to Kimmeridge loop – 14 miles In aid of The Brain Tumour Charity

Please help by going to my just giving page  here

This walk started back in Worth Matravers and heads west to Kimmeridge via Chapmans Pool. This walk I found on View ranger and was described as a hard walk. Quite quickly you descend steeply into Chapmans Pool and the walk takes you onto the beach, if you can call it that with huge boulders to negotiate. As I walked round I am looking for the path off the beach, but all I can see is a very fast running stream, almost a river! When I arrive at the point the GPS states the path is, its clear that the only way back up is either up the stream or through 6 to 8 inches of mud where the path was, but the cliff had collapsed! I decided the stream with its slippery rocks was too dangerous so opted for the mud, wasn’t sure I was going to make it, this felt more like an expedition…

After managing the slime and mud it was then a very hard climb out of Chapmans pool, then head towards Kimmeridge.

Fairly uneventful, but great to see a good number of surfers enjoying just enough wave to make it worthwhile going out, must have been very cold though!

Then I looped back round, past a lovely house with a helicopter parked in the front garden, (as you do!) then another killing climb up the side of the hill to Swyre head. I climbed a total of 3000ft on this walk which gives you an idea!

It was then into Kingston and a fairly short distance back to Worth Matravers. A great walk but as they said ‘hard!’

Big Desert Walk! Training Walk 17 –Sunday 13^th January – Corfe Swanage loop – 16 miles in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity

Please help by going to my just giving page  here

Back in Corfe! I hadn’t previously walked this direction out of Corfe, heading towards Swanage, so the view of Poole harbour was a fabulous surprise! Its now that you realise that pictures can’t do justice to what you see. Poole Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world was eerily quiet, but beautiful.

Looking back was yet another view of Corfe Castle, I have come to conclude it must be the most photographed monument in the area. It was about 6 – 7 miles to Swanage relatively easy walking.

Through Swanage past Peverill point then to Durlston head. Rather than the coast path there is one higher up the hill which picks up the Priests way into Worth Matravers. After the mud of previous weeks everything is drying out which makes life a little easier. I stopped for my usual snack and a cup of tea along the Priests way. Once into Worth, its then a bit of a road walk to pick up the path back to Corfe. I considered an off road path I know, but my hip was playing up and as I was now about 13-14 miles into the walk decided the sensible option was to take the road.

Then it was across Corfe common after a brief rest on a convenient bench outside a lovely house to rest my hip before the stroll back into Corfe.

Big Desert Walk! Training Walk 18 –Sunday 20^th January – Ringstead to Lulworth Cove loop – 9.5 miles in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity

Please help by going to my just giving page  here

This weeks training walk took me west to Ringstead, with a view to walking east to Lulworth Cove then looping back along the coast. The NT car park and I didn’t get off to the best start. Its all grass parking and after dropping two wheels onto a very slight bank the van was going nowhere. Several attempts to extricate myself proved futile as the van resolutely slithered around. Ultimately, I decided to drive along the grass bank and get up a little speed and successfully got back onto the hard track, phew. However, it was to bite me again later.

The first 5 miles was relatively easy, some great views and some strange artefacts like the carved snails sitting inside a stone ‘house.’

Once reaching Lulworth the terrain becomes much more challenging and the views even more spectacular. After a short while I reached Man O’war bay and Durdle door. The light was amazing so ended up with some great pictures.

Its then another very steep climb out of Durdle Door towards Bats head, great name! Then another steep climb towards White Nothe. All in all 4 steep climbs which my legs reminded me of the next day.

Then its back to the car park to look at my handiwork with the Van. As I walked along the grass admiring my mud/grass artwork I completely lost my footing and ended up on my backside! Great… My only comfort as I drank a cup of tea in the van was watching others having similar problems!

Big Desert Walk! Training Walk 19 –Sunday 27^th January – Lymington to keyhaven loop – 10 miles in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity

Please help by going to my just giving page  here

So Saturday night was quite heavy celebrating a friends 40^th in Southampton not conducive to walking the next day! I met friends in Brockenhurst who were taking the train. It should have been Lymington but public transport was doing its thing! It was a bitterly cold day and high winds. Being born in the year of the Tiger I really don’t like the wind, so this was actually a difficult walk from that regard. We wound our way out of Lymington, past some boat yards and to the south coast where there was a fabulous view of the Isle of Wight.

In the 1700’s this area used to be a hive of industry producing salt and exporting it to such places Newfoundland, America, Norway and Ireland. The last saltworks closed in 1865 and died out because of the cost of fuel and cheap rocksalt from Cheshire.

This is a popular area for walkers and cyclists, I was amazed how many people were out! Once we reached Keyhaven it was into the Gun Inn Pub to warm up and grab a cup of coffee. Yes coffee, especially after the night before! Then it was a bite to eat and around 4.5 miles back to Lymington. Another pub stop and another cup of coffee to warm up!

My fitbit was playing up again and paused itself for a mile or so, so it is missing part of the walk.

Today I was pleased to be back to the van. A drive home and into the shower to warm up..

Big Desert Walk! Training Walk 20 –Sunday 3^rd February – Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill in the snow! – 9 miles in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity

Please help by going to my just giving page  here

The Sahara is beckoning and is getting very close now, only 3 weeks so limited time available! This was a walk suggested by a friend, despite living in Dorset for a large part of my life I had never visited these two historical monuments, but what a treat! Fabulous views everywhere! Hod hill was an Iron age hill fort of about 52 acres. Hambledon hill is both higher and larger and was also fortified by ditches and ramparts. There is lots of interesting information about both hillforts, too much to write here, I urge you to look it up.

The walk started with an immediate sharp climb up Hod Hill, no time to warm up. It was early so no one around except me and the sheep! It was beautiful up there with the sun and the remains of the snow. It was then down the other side and a loop back round towards Iwerne Courtney or Shroton as its also known. It was then a steep climb up towards part of the Wessex Ridgeway. Along the ridge for about a mile then dropping into Iwerne Minster. What a pretty village.

Then looping back round towards Hambledon hill. I stopped for a cup of tea and snack before the climb up the hill. Reaching the top was the most spectacular 360 degree views,  I took a video but like pictures it doesn’t do it justice.

It was then back down the hill towards the car. It was 9 miles but completed in just over 3 hours so was back home in time to get some chores done!

Big Desert Walk! Training Walk 21 –Sunday 10th February – Hardys Monument and Maiden Castle – 9.5 miles in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity

Please help by going to my just giving page here

So I have decided this is my last big training walk before I attempt 100km in the Sahara in just over 4 days. Not a great last walk as the weather was very wet first thing and I got soaked a little later. It was also very cold and windy with sleet in the air. With low cloud the on the ridge on the South West Coastal path there were great if not grey views over both Weymouth and inland. The track headed North east to the pretty village of Martinstown, otherwise known as Winterborne St Martin.

From here it was a gentle uphill climb towards Maiden Castle (couldn’t get a decent picture!) This is one of the greatest prehistoric forts in Europe with an area of around 47 acres and with massive triple ramparts over 60ft high. At its peak it was home to over 4000 people. When the Romans invaded and displaced the Durotriges tribe the fort declined and was superseded by the Roman town of Durnovaria, now known as Dorchester.

Then heading back southwest through Farmland and back up onto the same very windy ridge heading along the South West Coast path in the opposite direction to earlier, rather uncomfortable walking along here. Then to extend the walk slightly I dropped down into ‘Hells Bottom,’ which would be hugely pretty in the sunshine, but it was here I was soaked by a very heavy rain storm, and with a big climb back up to the ridge it wasn’t the most enjoyable walk I have had. Back to the van to for a cup of tea and to reflect that that’s it, I have done what I can..next stop Morocco, its come around very quickly….