Dorset Area - 50th AGM
We would love to see you at our AGM this November, our 50th AGM!
at Broadmayne Village Hall, Cowleaze Road, Broadmayne, DT2 8EW
OS Grid Reference SY 730 864: what3words: ///decently.silk.rivals
Here is the Area AGM Agenda 2024
After the business of the meeting, it is hoped we will decide on a way of celebrating our 50 years. See our notes on the theme options
Bring a little food with you as we will sit down together to share a lunch after the meeting.
Important news about the Jubilee Trail
Last December, Dorset Council removed an unsafe bridge over the Tadnoll Brook in Broadmayne (grid reference SY 74576 86908; page 17 of the latest edition of the Jubilee Trail guidebook). The second bridge at the same location is also presently inaccessible. The Jubilee Trail crosses those bridges.
Dorset Council has advised that funding will be made available for replacement of the missing bridge as soon as money is released from the new financial year’s budget. The new bridge will be to current bridleway specifications (1.5 m wide with 1.5 m handrails, and no steps) and access to the bridges will be improved so that they are suitable for mobility buggies and pushchairs. The second bridge may also be replaced at the same time if funding permits.
Until the bridges are re-opened it is necessary to divert from the waymarked line of the Jubilee Trail. Please consult the Ordnance Survey map (OL15) for alternative routes to the west of the bridges.
Jubilee Trail Guide 4th Edition Now Available
The 4th edition of the Jubilee Trail guide has been published see our Dorset Jubilee Trail page
Countryside Code Update
The countryside code pagehas been updated to include Covid 19 short versions of the code.
Please take note of the text about not having fires and BBQs.
The Ramblers Don't Lose Your Way Campaign
An estimated 10,000 miles of paths across England and Wales are at risk of being lost forever, unless we come together to save them. There is a 2026 deadline so we need thousands of people to help to uncover and save generations of lost paths and hidden ways before it's too late.
You can find out more and how you can help at Don't Lose Your Way campaign page. The campaign FAQ page Don't Lose Your Way FAQs explains key points of the campaign and details of what is involved.
England Coast Path
Natural England “the government’s advisor on the natural environment” planned to open the England Coast Path around England’s coastline by 2020. Full details of progress can be obtained here
Status in Dorset
Rufus Castle (Portland) to Lulworth Cove was opened on 29 June 2012 and was the very first section opened on the English Coastline
Lyme Regis to Rufus Castle (Portland) – implementation of this section was held up owing to a public inquiry which was held in November and December 2016.
Lulworth Cove to Highcliffe – on 6 April 2022, the Secretary of State announced their decision to approve a stretch of the England Coast Path in Dorset between Kimmeridge Bay and Highcliffe. Work is now underway to prepare the new stretch of coast path for public use.
For more information please contact the Area Footpath Secretary (see Contact page)
Adjacent Counties
Kingswear to Lyme Regis (approx 68 miles of coastline) – this section has been approved but is not yet open, establishment works are planned or in progress.
Highcliffe to Calshot (approx 56 miles of coastline) – proposals have been published but not yet determined.