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HARDY WAY JUBILEE 1-3 JUNE 2002
51 Eastleigh Ramblers celebrated The Jubilee by walking Stages 4, 5, & 6 of the Hardy Way from Lulworth Cove to Wareham. Our collection points were as usual but this time we were honoured by travelling in a coach which was only six weeks old and had all the mod cons with John as our driver.
Saturday June 1st was a hot glorious day. We arrived at Lulworth and as most of this part of the walk is within the Army shooting range strict attention should be paid to the leader or you will be shot. Starting at the steepest hill of the weekend, Bindon Hill, we left the quiet picturesque cove of Lulworth and proceeded the 7 miles to Kimmeridge. Plenty of suntan lotion and water was needed as we ascended the steep cliffs of Rings Hill, Cockpit Head, Flowers Barrow and Gad Cliff only to descended into Mupe Bay, Arish Mell and Worbarrow Bay: with the occasional stop ‘to look back at the spectacular scenery’. After nearly 6 miles the group had a ‘catch up’ stop to visit the ruins of Tyneham Village.
For those who have never been or heard of it, once upon a time before the second word war, it was a very beautiful communal village. The church dates back to the 13C and celebrates the Bond family who had dominated life in Tyneham until the 18C. In 1943 the village was evacuated following the compulsory evacuation by the MOD for the “D” Day preparations. The villagers were not aloud to return after the war and it was left derelict until 1994. The tiny cottages showed the small cooking ranges the families had to use for all their meals and daily chores and inside the school was just as it was in 1943. It is now opened to the public and was used as a film set for the story of the ‘Tolpuddle Martyrs’.
On reaching Kimmeridge John, our coach driver for the weekend, took us through the small Dorset Villages to Weymouth where all along the main Esplanade were banners and flags flying to celebrate the Jubilee. We settled in our rooms and after a surge of water being used (I don’t think the hotel was used to 50 ramblers all wanting a showers at the same time!) we all met in the bar for a drink before a well deserved dinner. As there was no entertainment in the hotel we had to make our own, some rested in the Hotel while others went down the pubs. Most of the bars were noisy and the streets were full of people celebrating – either the football or the Queen. Ellen surprised us with a performance of Pole Dancing, which was also appreciated by the locals. By 10pm the beach was packed all waiting in anticipation for the tremendous firework display in the bay put on by Weymouth Council.
Up early on Sunday for another glorious day and drive to Kimmeridge to start the next stage to Corfe Castle. Driving through the Village of Church Knowle we were blessed by the Vicker as we passed the Church, so knew we were going to have a good day. Again it was steep hills and deep descents. Over Clavell’s Head, passing Clavell Tower Folly, which was built in 1831 as an observatory. Up Rope Lake Head, past Eldon’s seat and up the step incline of Houns-tout Cliff, 600ft. Taking a last look backward over the stunning Dorset coastline then it was inland to Kingston for lunch in The Scott Arms. After lunch via Corfe Common we arrived at the magnificent sight of Corfe Castle set in beautiful sunshine with the rolling hill in the distance. We were given an hour to look round and have a drink and some even had a cream tea! The Squadron 275 Steam Train passed us and whistled, as we were ready for our trip back to Weymouth. This time we were asked to stagger our showers and all was well. After another good dinner some went to the pub again others took a stroll to the Lighthouse at the end of the harbour. They were lucky enough to see ‘George’ the Dolphin who frequents the south coast. During our walk along the cliffs we kept a look out to see if we could see him as he was expected to be around.
Monday started dull but we were optimistic that the day would be fine – no such luck. From Corfe we climbed a slight incline to reach the top of Knole Hill, which if fine we would be able to see the fantastic view of Poole Harbour. As by now it was raining heavily we were unable to see nothing. A picnic lunch was taken under the trees and for those who walked on Dartmoor would remember the poem I wrote about the rain! Then it was heads down and head for Wareham. By the time the group got to Wareham along the River Frome the sun was out and it was a good opportunity for some to join in the Street Party. There was dancing, music and many craft stalls and local produce being sold for charity. Back on the coach for the last time and travel home where some would continue the Jubilee celebrations. And for some glutton for punishment get up early the next day for another 11 mile walk through Great Windsor Park.
My thanks on behalf of all the group to Peter Benham and Paul Hatt for a most enjoyable weekend. Also for the past three stages and all the ones to come.
I would like to say a personal thank you to all of you for your help and concern you showed me on the last day.
Barbara Burlefinger