Outdoor Life in Dorset - A Site To Visit
OUTDOOR LIFE IN DORSET – A SITE TO VISIT
As a swimmer all my life, it is important for me when working and travelling to stay on a motorhome site close to water and outdoor activities. Last summer, I took a trip down to Dorset, to see the wonderful scenery and awe inspiring coastline along the southern part of England.
I chose Hunter’s Moon Caravan and Motorhome Site for my week stay from the end of June, 2017 in Wareham. On arrival, I was warmly greeted and chose my grass pitch which was by the dog walk. I love dogs so it was lovely each day to see the variety of our four legged friends walking by with their owners. As always with the Caravan and Motorhome Club, the site was well kept and peace prevailed at Hunter’s Moon as many ‘campers’ were adults. The few children who were there were quiet and occupied, especially having the playground facilities nearby.
My task this adventure, was to visit a few places of interest and to explore where it was possible to swim and do other outdoor activities, as well as visiting places of interest. Looking at the map, I was spoilt for choice. Hunter’s Moon is so close to Wareham Forest which meant I could either cycle or walk through it to get to Wareham, just 3 miles away. The forest is so tranquil with its vast array of trees and nature in the woodland. For those who like to walk, there is a 6 mile circular route out of the back of Hunter’s Moon site which meant I could avoid the road.
Being the ‘water-lover’ I am, I soon found the local swimming pool which offered a variety of lane swimming to cater for all abilities. I was lucky to make contact with Purbeck Tri Club and attended one of their sessions. They also offered open water swimming at Swanage – the sea was the place to be especially in the blistering and unforgiving heat at that time!
Yes I experienced Dorset in a heatwave and therefore, relished even more than usual the coolness of the lavish waters of the sea, which ebbed and flowed in the gentle breeze. Whilst there was a designated swimming area off the beach in Swanage, there were plenty of other opportunities around the town to ‘dip’ in these refreshing waters.
For those people who are not a ‘Madfish’ like me, there is also the option to take a boat trip to Poole which I did. This enabled me to see the breath-taking shoreline from aboard the cruiser such as Old Harry Rocks and Brownsea Island, to name just two, before docking at Poole Harbour and then returning.
Other places well worth a visit were Durdle Dorr near Lulworth and only a 15 mile drive from Hunter’s Moon Caravan and Motorhome Site. If you are a cyclist, then you will be delighted as there are plenty of cycle routes. On my first day, I chose to cycle through Wareham Forest to town and then along the river there. Boat trips along the river are also available.
Another day I cycled a 14 mile round trip to The Blue Pool, an absolutely beautiful place of nature, a haven and a unique attraction in the Isle of Purbeck. For me it felt like the perfect opportunity to escape the outside world as I enjoyed walking around this magical Pool famous for its ever changing colours. I asked the question as to why it was a blue colour and was told that it is due to the very fine clay in suspension in the water that diffracts light in different ways, producing a spectrum of colour - sometimes green, sometimes turquoise.
The Blue Pool is also home to the Wareham Bears and has a Gift Shop, Museum and Plant Centre as well as a Tea Room. The home-made scones were delicious and rounded the afternoon off nicely. AND if you are a dog lover, like myself, you will be amazed to see that you can buy a gorgeous ice cream there for your furry friend. They have flavours to cater for different breeds of dog!
Back at Hunter’s Moon Site and what better way to end a full day of activity, such perfect times than at the ‘local pub’. In the relentless heat, it was lovely to walk to the Local close to the site, ‘The Silent Woman.’ Their website explains why it is so named:
“Once a smugglers haunt, legend has it that an "unusual" Landlady (one who talked too much, heaven forbid!), gave away the smugglers' secrets in Wareham Market Place. Fearful of capture by the ever-present Excise Men, the smugglers silenced her by cutting out her tongue, thus creating that unique phenomenon.”
So if you like your history it is a great place to go; even if you aren’t into history, you can just go along and enjoy this pub, with its great range of beers and locally sourced foods (all reasonable priced) and one which is certainly within walking distance of Hunters Moon Site.
In conclusion I found some fantastic places for open water swimming plus was also able to see the amazing things that this County has to offer. A definite WIN WIN and I will always treasure the memories. Once again, thanks to the Motorhome and Caravan Club for such a superb stay at Hunter’s Moon. I will be back!
(Dr. Julie Bradshaw MBE)
www.getset4swimming.co.uk and www.getset4success.co.uk
07941 467291
