On a typical November morning, six of us assembled in the car park at Milford and kitted up for what we feared might be a muddy walk. Heading off down the High Street, we successfully avoided the temptation to window shop – although longing glances were cast in the direction of the cake shops!
Our walk took us through Danestream Park, where we followed the stream on a nice, dry footpath and eventually ended up in the Shorefield Nature Reserve. From there, it was a short walk to Hordle Cliff and the clifftop path, which we followed back to The Marine restaurant and then up on to the sea wall towards Hurst Castle. Descending from the sea wall, we followed the lane to Sturt Pond and joined the footpath around the pond. At this point it got muddy, very muddy! With civilisation in sight we plugged on, entering the car park, which is almost in the back garden of The Smugglers’ Inn, by its far corner.
The temptation was too much!
The pub was delightful, the snacks would have fed a family of four, and the company was most convivial!
We’ll do this one again – soon!
For further information about the group contact Bernard Gilbert.
