Walking on Hyde Common 

                                                        on Tuesday 7th October 2025

Once again, we couldn't believe how lucky we were to enjoy a lovely, quiet walk on Hyde Common in the sunshine. The donkeys were enjoying the mild weather too and quietly waited as we walked past them. Today we didn't see many birds but we could certainly hear them above the peace and quiet.

A beautiful blue sky above us enhanced another very pleasant walk.

                                                                                         

No walk is complete without a coffee/tea and piece of cake at the end. Once again the Potting Shed was the perfect venue and the staff were as usual very helpful and looked after us well.

 Avon Beach, Mudeford, on Tuesday 30th September 2025

"Oh well I do like to be beside the seaside" could have been our song for the day yesterday. The last day in September was absolutely amazing weather wise and we had such a lovely walk from Avon Run car park to Mudeford Quay. The views of the Needles and the Isle of Wight were super and with the sun in the sky, it was like a perfect day.

Stopping to admire the view and enjoy coffee/tea and cake at Haven House Inn on the quay was ideal, before we all headed back to Avon Beach. The topic of conversation was how fortunate we are to have such beautiful scenery to enjoy and lovely walks to share with each other.

 Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve

Tuesday 16th September 2025

There were fewer of us today for a variety of different reasons, you were all missed and hopefully you are back with us soon. Having met at the carpark, we then walked to the Goosander Hide. We were all badly let down by myself by forgetting to pack several pairs of binoculars. I promise to be better prepared on our next visit.

The rain stayed away as we walked. We all commented on the increase of water in the river after our recent rainfalls, agreeing it was indeed a pleasant sight. The hide was empty, extremely peaceful and after a short while observing the birds, we ventured back to the car park.

Our coffee/tea and cake were enjoyed today at Hockey's Farm Cafe and a huge thanks to all the staff who made us very welcome. Once again, the cakes were delicious and we all enjoyed the stories that were being shared around the table. Lots of funny tales were told.

Having not been to the coast for a wee while now, our plan is to see some sea on our next walk on 30th September. Hopefully there are a few more of us when we head to the beach.

 Walking at Lady's Mile on Tuesday 2nd September 2025

We were so lucky to enjoy a lovely walk and miss the rain. Lady's Mile was a perfect location, knowing we had some shelter in the woods if the rain did arrive. All of us agreed that getting out and walking was a real tonic after a few days of inclement weather which kept us indoors. Our walk was possibly a wee bit longer, as we made the most of the dry, warm  weather.

 We rounded off our afternoon with delicious cake and drinks, this afternoon we met at The Potting Shed.  As usual, the staff were wonderful and extremely helpful, always very much appeciated.

 Castleman Trailway on Tuesday 19th August 2025

We met at the car park and had a lovely stroll along Castleman Trailway towards Ringwood. With plenty of shade, it was a perfect location on what potentially could have been a very warm day. We split into a couple of groups as some of us wanted to walk a bit further, and we did, then we met back at our cars. The trailway wasnt too busy however we did pass several cyclists, dog walkers and others walking like us...indeed a perfect day to be out.

A short drive away at The Lantern, we all enjoyed our usual coffee/tea and cake. The staff were so helpful and really couldn't have done any more for us. With a lovely selection of cake, we rounded off a very pleasant afternoon in good company and lots of talking/listening to each other.

 Lady's Mile in the New Forest on Tuesday 5th August 2025

What a lovely afternon we had walking along Lady's Mile on the Forest. The weather and company were both great and we managed to spot a few ponies too....always a bonus. We had a new member yesterday and thankfully he had such a good time, he has decided to become a regular. Fabulous!!

 After a lovely walk both in the sunshine and the shade, we headed to The Pantry Barn at Breamore House where we  were very well looked after by the lovely staff. The cakes were delicious and as always, a lovely way to round off another pleasant Tuesday afternoon.

We were a few people missing yesterday due to different issues, everything crossed we are back to our full quota on our next walk on 19th August.