Walking at Avon Heath Country Park on

                                                  Tuesday 19th May 2026

We could not believe our luck on Tuesday when we met for our walk at Avon Heath Country Park. The rain had stopped so we decided to risk it, all of us wearing waterproofs just in case, though. We headed out on the Activity Trail walking for one hour and the rain didn't appear. The earlier rain had obviously deterred others as we didn't meet many people on our way. For a few of us, this was a first visit to Avon Heath and we were very impressed. Lots of people said they are already planning a return trip. Lots of lovely walks available and for the young at heart, a great playpark too. None of us could quite believe  we kept dry.

Nor could we believe the delicious choice of cakes and shortbread when we arrived at one of our PALs house to celebrate his birthday. Thank you ever so much for the wonderful invite, Jayne and the opportunity to sing Happy Birthday to Mike. Every one of us really appreciated your kindness and hospitality. Thank you.

The very happy Birthday Boy.

 Walking at Lady's Mile, Godshill on Tuesday 21st April 2026

History in the making;today for the first time, we had to pay to park at Godshill Inclosure. Our walk was a bit quieter but whether that was due to the introduction of car parking charges or not, remains to be seen.For a few of us, this was the first time they had walked Lady's Mile and they were delighted to have done so. The weather was fine, warm when the sun appeared, and we returned to the car park via the forest. It was indeed a beautiful spring day and perfect for walking.

After returning to the car park, we then headed off for coffee /tea and cake at The Pantry Barn on Breamore Estate. No one was disappointed by their choice; what a great selection of cakes including their gluten free options. Thank you once again to the lovely staff who accommodated us so well.

 Walking at Mudeford on Tuesday 7th April 2026

Thirteen of us met at Avon Run Road Carpark and we then strolled along to Mudeford Quay. The sun was shining, there were lots of people out enjoying the sunshine, it was unusually busy for a Tuesday afternoon.  Thankfully, there was a breeze which kept us all cool as we walked to the Quay and back again. Today we were delighted to welcome yet another new member. 

Bank Holiday Monday had been particularly busy also according to the Haven House cafe as there were no cakes left only biscuits. Not a problem at all; drinking coffee/ tea and eating delicious local biscuits gave us the ideal opportunity to catch up with each other's news. Once again, the staff were particularly helpful.

 Walking at Potterne Park/ Moors Valley Country Park on 17th March 2026

What a beautiful afternoon for a walk, we were so, so lucky. Today we were also very fortunate to have some extra people who joined us on our walk and hopefully will consider joining our group.... we are keeping everything crossed.

In total there were seventeen of us who arrived at the car park at Potterne Park then took one of two routes from Potterne Park into Moors Valley Country Park admiring the quietness, the birdsong and just enjoying each other's company. Today was certainly a delightful spring day, greatly appreciated by all of us. We hope this weather will stay with us for a while.

Arriving back at the car park about an hour later, we then drove to The Hub in Verwood to enjoy a cuppa, some cake and getting to know each other better. Time passed very quickly, as it always does when you are enjoying yourself. Thank you to the cafe staff who served us well with our delicious cakes, despite us arriving late and many of the cakes had already been eaten, we all managed. We all remembered to wish one of our group a very happy St Patrick's Day; he didn't confess to whether he would be consuming some Guinness later or not

Hope our first timers have enjoyed themselves enough to be keen to join our lovely group.

Apologies once again to my car passengers when we ended up taking the scenic route in Ringwood.

 Walking at Godshill Inclosure on Tuesday 17th February 2026.

How lucky were we...a lovely walk in the Forest without any rain. Ten of us met up this afternoon to walk through Godshill Inclosure on a path that wasn't muddy and full of puddles. Always worthwhile completing a recce beforehand. We all commented on how quiet it was this afternoon, although we did have the opportunity to stop and chat to some other walkers, especially the dog owners.

The temperature was a bit cooler and sadly the sun didn't appear however we walked for approximately an hour before heading for coffee/tea and cake at the Pantry Barn Cafe. In the summer it is always lovely to sit outside but today we were tucked up inside where it was lovely and warm. The staff on duty this afternoon were wonderful; so patient, kind and attentive, thank you.