Originally we had not planned to go away in October but suddenly a month with nothing happening needed an injection of interest. Decision made we decided to stay local. The campsite near Moreton is under 40 miles from home and in an area we haven’t really explored. Located in woodland with open grassy areas it is a wildlife haven with daily sightings of deer wandering through, numerous grey squirrels to watch and of course birds. Also situated close to a train station it is very well positioned to take advantage of places further afield, although the track runs adjacent to the campsite and this resulted us moving our pitch after one night!
Never having visited Dorchester, we went by train and spent time getting acquainted with the very pleasant small town, old and modern architecture equally at home here and a welcoming feel to the place, especially in a bakery where we bought a delicious cake to add to our ham roll picnic.
The weather was not particularly good so we visited two museums, the first one showing replicas of the famous Terracotta Army and relevant items which was good and took around 30 minutes to read the information boards. The second bigger museum had an excellent display of artefacts and information about Tutankhamun with video screens and displays which took us around an hour to go around.
By now with the museum paced walking, my back was aching and the hips beginning to seize up so we visited The Brewhouse & Kitchen for a sit down. This is a pub with a difference being that it’s brewing process takes place there, the lovely copper vessels are at the back and when brewing is taking place, apparently it smells wonderful. The produce was certainly good and the overall ambience, bar area, interesting decor and lighting all added to the experience.
Another train trip took us to Wareham where we enjoyed a walk through fields by the River Piddle on the north side of town and along part of the old town walls before coming out at The Granary, wonderfully located alongside the River Frome. Continuing along the edge of the river by reed beds we heard cettis warblers with their sudden loud calls, saw cormorants, ducks, a heron and numerous pigeons and crows on the open fields. Back at The Granary we met up with fellow motorhome friends who we first met at Carsington Water back in August, and during our meal together there was much catching up to do.
While we waited for our return train we stopped off at The Kings Arms, full of character and very welcome with the open fire and great choice of beers for Chris; mine was a gin and tonic. The town centre certainly deserves another visit and there are many places nearby to visit; a plan for next year!
Taking a slower pace next day and we stayed local, walking through the woods and lanes before meeting another friend for lunch at the Frampton Arms a short stroll from the campsite. Well rested we used a bus the following morning to arrive at Osmington, the beginning of a long walk to Weymouth. There were great views over several fields as we walked towards the sea where we could see two moored cruise liners, various fishing boats and small yachts. We found The Smugglers Inn at the bottom of a long hill and made an unscheduled stop, well it would have been rude not to!
Continuing along the coast walk, it took us high up on the cliffs overlooking the beaches and rocks below, surprising numbers of wild flowers were still adding colour to the scenery, blackberries, ivy flowers and ‘old man’s beard’ added to the autumnal feel. A few meadow pipits, stone chats and goldfinches flew along the bushes in front, gulls glided by lifted by the thermals close to the cliffs and we watched others on the beach below. The walking was very pleasant, easy on the grass and tracks with Weymouth getting closer, eventually we made it down hill on to the promenade alongside the 3 mile long beach; we still had a way to go. The last bit was hard, tarmac under foot is unforgiving and I was getting slower and slower, when I checked the pedometer we had covered 9 miles. As the train station was closer than the bus stop, it made the choice of transport easy, and the added bonus was that the station at the other end was a 10 minute walk back to the campsite.
Our October trip had been a great success. Lisa our Motorhome needed a wash and brush up, including the roof which was a first for me, but now she is clean and tidy, ready for whatever comes next.
Our motorhome adventures 