Dorset Coast and Countryside - Wander Women Walking Weekender

Step into autumn with an adventure exploring the coast and countryside in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with other amazing ladies from the Wander Women North Devon community, on this 2-day, 1 night walking weekender.

Starting at the famous Jurassic Heritage Coast with an exhilarating group hike: soak up the sights from spectacular coastal cliffs and awe-inspiring geological wonders, drinking in stunning high-level views, walking through chalk hills, ancient settlements, dramatic scenery, and pretty countryside villages. Spending a night in the Georgian riverside market town of Blandford Forum, followed by a Sunday morning walk at Hambledon Hill.

You will need to have a good level of fitness and have experience of walking hilly terrain at a moderate pace.

Itinerary

Saturday 5th October

Drive to the walk meet point on the Jurassic coastline to meet at 10am, then heading out on a group hike together. We will eat lunch on the walk route – please bring a packed lunch, snacks, and drinks.

Drive to Blandford Forum and check in to our hotel. Free time to explore Blandford Forum, shower and get ready for our evening meal together.

Optional group evening meal in Blandford Forum (table booked at local restaurant) – feel free to make your own arrangements for evening food if you would prefer to do so.

Sunday 6th October

After fuelling up on breakfast at the hotel, we will drive a short distance to the village of Stourpaine, and then head out on our second walk through the surrounding hills and countryside. Option to stay for lunch/ coffee/ cake at the White Horse Inn at the end of the walk, before saying our goodbyes and heading home.

Walk Routes Information

Saturday: Ringstead - Swyre Head - Bats Head.

Distance: 8.2 miles (13.2km). Grade: Challenging. Total ascent 617m descent 608m Ringstead – Swyre Head – Bats Head. Terrain: Coast path, bridleways and footpaths. Many sections of steep ascent/ descent. Paths can be rocky and uneven with muddy patches in wet weather.

Sunday: Hod Hill & Hambledon Hill.

Distance: 6.6 miles (10.7km). Grade: Intermediate. Total ascent 389m descent 387m. Terrain: Public footpaths and bridleways. 2 steep climbs at the beginning of the walk. Footpaths can be rocky and uneven with muddy patches in wet weather.

Refunds

No refunds - please ensure you read the cancellation policy below carefully before booking your place.

Cost and whats included

£139.98

Price includes:

1 night accommodation at the Crown Hotel in Blandford Forum sharing a twin room

Breakfast on Sunday morning

2 guided walks

The price doesn't include:

Dinner on Saturday night

Coffee, cake/ lunch on Sunday

Transport to and from the venue and during the trip

Alcoholic drinks or other personal expenses

Car parking charges at Ringstead. National Trust members free, non- members £4 all day

Terms and conditions

Cancellation Policy

Refunds

No refunds. Refunds will only be given if the event is cancelled. If you can no longer attend, you are more than welcome to sell your ticket to someone else, but please let us know if you do, so that the attendees list can be updated. If the trip is fully booked and we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list, we can arrange this.

We recommend you have your own appropriate travel insurance for cancellation due to illness, changes in personal circumstances and Covid-19. You can find lots of information about travel insurance here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/uk-travel-insurance/

Cancellation by us

Wander Women North Devon reserves the right in any circumstances to cancel any event due to force majeure, unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, unusual or unforeseen events outside our control, such as, but not limited to, terrorism, natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, political instability, or other external factors. If we cancel or postpone your event for one of these reasons where you are not in breach of these booking conditions, you can either move your payment to an event on an alternative date, or we can provide you with a refund. We are not responsible for any non-refundable incidental expenses, eg transport, accommodation etc that you may have incurred as a result of your booking. We recommend that you book flexible travel options and have appropriate travel insurance.

Weather

Walks and trips will go ahead in all weather conditions, including if it is raining, so be prepared to embrace the joys of our British weather! Walks and trips may be cancelled in instances of extreme weather where it is assessed that the safety of participants completing the activity or travelling to the meet point/ venue may be compromised.

Wander Women North Devon reserves the right to alter a planned trip agenda, or cancel an activity, due to adverse weather conditions. Changes may be necessary in a variety of areas – the accommodation used, the trip leaders or the itinerary. Such changes are rare, but necessary at times, and we will endeavour to stick as closely as possible to the original planned details.

Acknowledgement of Risk

By taking part in any walking events that Wander Women North Devon offer, you acknowledge and understand that there is a risk element that you accept. You assume all risks of injuries associated with participation including, but not limited to, trips and falls, the effects of the weather, including high heat or cold, and all other such risks being known and appreciated by you.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you participate within your own physical capability, and account for any medical conditions you may have. You acknowledge that you are physically fit and mentally capable of performing the physical activity you choose to participate in.

If you are unsure or concerned about health conditions and/ or your fitness and capability to participate, please consult with your GP or another medical professional for advice.

We advise taking out personal insurance to cover your participation in walks and trips, as you may do for any sporting event or activity holiday.

First Aid

The walk leader is a qualified level 3 Outdoor First Aider and will be on hand to respond to any medical incidents.

By booking onto this event you are consenting your agreement with the terms set out above.