Every year the Nexus group books the Kingcombe Centre in west Dorset for a walking weekend. We have been to two such weekends and have really enjoyed them. We left on the Friday evening soon after Margaret got back from work and arrived at Kingcombe about 7pm. This time we were booked into Higher Kingcombe Lodge, a nice B&B just up the road, although we ate at the Kingcombe Centre.
On the Saturday we met at the centre and headed off on a 10.5 mile walk, first to Nettlecombe where we had lunch at the Marquis of Lorne and then, climbing over Eggardon Hill Fort we descended to Tollor Pocorum and returned to Kingcombe.
After the sunny conditions of previous days, today was grey and cool. However these conditions had deposited literally thousands of migrants onto Portland Bill, something I would have loved to have seen. I had to make do with singing Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and a single Sand Martin.
Over 30 Nexuns gathered at the Kingcombe Centre on Friday evening.
A couple of orphaned lambs proved a big hit.
Chani took on the role of surrogate mother.
We stayed at the attractive Upper Kingcombe Lodge about a mile away from the centre.
The following morning we gathered at the Kingcombe Centre prior to the hike
In this area there were picturesque old cottages in need of attention.....
... and others in perfect condition.
Shaun the Sheep brought his mates along to meet us.
Some of the tracks in west Dorset are a bit on the steep side.......
... including this climb up Eggardon Hill.
A welcome rest at the top was shortened by the cold wind. It was a bit murky, apparently you can see from St Catherine's Point on the IOW to Start Point in Devon on a clear day.
Part of the summit is occupied by a Neolithic hill fort.
It's a dogs life!
In the evening, the centre's manager (and former RSPB warden) Nick Tomlinson gave us a short talk on future plans for the centre and the extensive wildlife reserve.
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