26/11/06 - 11 brave walkers and 3 dogs ignored the weather forecasts and turned out at Calbourne for a trip around the hills. 3 further brave but late walkers and another dog soon jogged up to join us. Starting out across the fields we soon found the rain had made some nice mud and discovered the trials of dog unfriendly stiles. After a bit of guidance and the occasional squeeze, we managed to get all our 4 legged friends to Calbourne Mill where we stoically didn't stop for a coffee (mad walkers eh?) Continuing along the pleasant riverside paths (or along the river beds for some dogs) we climbed up the Wellow downs into the turbine free breeze for a fine view of the mainland. Turning south towards Chessell, a straw poll decided to forsake the delights of the Pottery cafe and instead continue steeply up the Down. Rumblings for lunch grew louder as we approached Lynch Lane, where the leader finally succumbed to the pressure for a break. Continuing gently up into Brighstone forest, before turning north again for the final descent with tremendous views over Calbourne to Newtown estuary. Skirting the back of the Westover estate, we made our way through the slightly squishy fields returning to the village and cars via Winkle street (not as pretty as in summer). Against all the odds we'd made it round in the dry and even had a fair amount of sunshine - weather forecasts!

Leader - Dave

Total Distance - 8.5 Miles