Each year our local walking group organises two long weekend holidays, in April and September. This means we can experience rambles in terrain not available to us in the Midlands, get to know each other better and above all have fun. 

Due to the lockdown, our recent visit to Bournemouth had been twice postponed but, for the 17 members who attended, it proved to be well worth waiting for. We stayed in the newly refurbished Ibis Styles Hotel where we could not fault the welcome we received, the food or the accommodation. The weather was kind to us too – tee shirts and sunglasses were the order of the day. 

On each of the four days there was a guided walk of up to 7 miles in length, but there was always an option of a shorter route for those who preferred it. Our first short walk explored the area close to the hotel, taking us to Boscombe Pier where we enjoyed refreshments after our long drive down.

Day 2 took us on an open-top bus ride and ferry to Studland where we walked to Old Harry’s Rocks. This was an undulating walk with a couple of climbs, but we were rewarded with extensive views of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, and the Isle of Wight in the distance. Our Social Secretary had set us the challenge of dressing for the Saturday evening meal in 60’s style clothing. Most of us rose to the challenge and looked ‘fab’, ‘cool’ and ‘hip’. This provided us with lots of laughs and we had a ‘gas’ as we spent the evening re-living the age of peace and love and listening to the ‘groovy’ music that many of us remember from our youth.

On Day 3, after a short drive to Christchurch and a ferry across the River Stour at Wick, we circumnavigated Hengistbury Head where we were fortunate to see a pod of dolphins, apparently being shepherded out to deeper water by several small boats.

Our final walk of about 4 miles set out from the village of Burley in the New Forest. Here we experienced the heathland vegetation and saw the famous semi-wild ponies. 

Everyone enjoyed the break and can’t wait for the next one. Gwen, who has been on many such holidays, commented “Great weekend, lovely company, lovely walks and lovely weather. Could not have asked for anything better. Thanks to the organisers.”

If you would like to share in the fun, just join us on one of our local walks. New members of all ages and from all backgrounds will be made most welcome.

Further details about the Group can be found on the website – www.castlebromwichramblers.org.uk, by email at cbramblers@yahoo.co.uk, or by calling David on 788 0650 of Teresa on 07976 435569