St David’s Day and Birthday Celebrations

A happy band of 12 mileaters set off from Hardy’s Monument on a miraculously partly sunny, partly cloudy, some hail but dry day! To meet four more members at the designated coffee break where Mimosas, Sausages, Chocolate Brownies were served to celebrate St David’s Day and my birthday.  Thankfully enjoyed by all except the disciplined carrot muncher! Who has triumphantly lost a stone, no mean feat in this age of gluttony!

On we went along the Ridgeway with stunning views, threatening clouds and strong winds, down to West Bexington.  There were patches of mud, hardly surprising after the wettest February on record. The alternative would be to walk around Poundbury, not so scenic but mud free for the mud phobic.

After a bracing six miles for the stalwarts who did the whole route and four miles for the four with sick notes, we all had an excellent lunch at The Manor House Hotel in their warm, sunny conservatory with picturesque sea views.  An ideal spot, great company and more birthday cake! 

Thank you to Sheree Fitgerald, Lesley Pemberton and Colin Tracy our professional photographers.  And to our drivers, Tom Webb, Richard Benson, Stuart Nuttall, Chris Evans and of course Riou Baxter who led the walk and the car logistics.

Laura Baxter