Day 4: Gillingham to Sixpenny Handley
This is a day of two walks. In the morning is a stroll across farmland with Shaftesbury high on the skyline. The route to the pub in picturesque Shaftesbury is a bit of a zig-zag to admire Melbury Hill from the town's park. The longer afternoon stretch drops into in a valley then climbs up and along a ridge of Cranbourne Chase, cutting across a corner of Wiltshire. The views become panoramic before we coast down the long hillside through a forest. Madonna's country house is visible from the hill top. Flat farmland welcomes us into Sixpenny Handley in the evening light. Health hazards are the A30 road crossing just before Shaftesbury and the lane into Sixpenny Handley so take care.
We start with last night - Ant and B investigating the equipment.
Last night Bruce relayed severe weather warnings that made many think twice about walking today. This morning we woke to a grey, wet day outside, maybe not as severe as threatened, but definitely a wet one. We packed up and loaded the van, dashing form porch to van and back trying to keep things dry.
Our day formally started with a shared Eucharist in the church in which many had slept. We had been, and continued to be, made most welcome by the minister and members of his church.
Then it was time for the off - various rain-proof attires were in evidence, none quite as quaint as Howard's.
The weather soon took its toll on the arrows, this poor specimen being soaked, blown down and run over before being photographed through a rain-splattered lens.
Heads down into the drizzle we crossed the fields. On the positive side, the terrain was much easier than the nettles and stiles of the preceding days.
Our first stop was at Motcombe where we were warmly welcomed by Mark Zammit and some of his parishioners.
We were asked to look out for the brother of a parishioner, an Alzheimer's sufferer who went for a walk in Battle, Sussex, 4 weeks ago and hasn't been seen since. To quote...
John Allen, 70, has gone missing from his home in Battle. John, who suffers from Alzheimer’s as well as epilepsy, was last seen by his neighbours at 9pm on Wednesday, July 18th. He is described as white, approx 5' 6" tall and of a medium build. He is said to have a short black/grey hair and is balding around the crown. He has a full grey and white beard. He was last seen wearing a Harris tweed jacket, a grey/brown jumper, brown cord trousers and brown slip on shoes. Local residents are asked to check their sheds and out buildings. Anyone who may have seen or been in contact with John or a man fitting his description is urged to contact police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial number 1677 19/07/07
Please keep your eyes open and spread the word to others.
While we were walking, some of the non-walkers had taken the train to Salisbury and were exploring the Cathedral.
As we approached Shaftesbury we climbed up the hill, but the view wasn't as good as we'd hoped on this grey, wet day.
Still, the pub was there to refresh us, with a function room for our use - a chance to dry out and warm up a bit too.
One of the beers on sale was especially appropriate - flavoured with nettles. The doctor ordered one for each leg!
A convivial lunch was had by all...
...Aruna demonstrating how to reuse packaging as a lunch container.
Anne was less happy - she sat on a seat vacated by Patrick and found herself rather damp.
As we walked to St Peter's Church, the devil tempted us with advertisements for holidays in the sun.
John led us in Midday Prayer, with Monica reading. Luckily the workmen who were renovating this ancient church paused whilst we prayed.
The church was just above the famous Gold Hill (setting for the Hovis ads) - not quite a scenic today, sadly.
At Charlton we thought the prayers were to be DIY...
...but the rector was there to welcome us and lead us in prayer.
That's the chap mentioned on the sign...
...who didn't mind his church being used to dry soggy arrows!
Howard and Neville noticed as we passed watercress beds.
The drizzle eased as we climbed to Win Green...
...and we got brief views out over the downland and the fields below.
But the weather closed in again, the drink stop being particularly wet and windy. Some role reversal seems to be happening here, with Simon giving Monica a drink!
The promised long descent throught he woods had its share of water too.
And the busy road we were warned of had unusual hazards.
But, wet as we were, we arrived early at Sixpenny Handley.
Jack wanted to send a message to his sister. Not very legible - the message reads: "Happy Birthday Angela from a cold wet tired pilgrim". And from us all.
Today's editor: Aidan Simons