Ethelberta Purbeck Walk - Meet at 10.15 am. on the station platform at Norclen Park & Ride (signed from the A35 1 just north of Corfe Castle) in order to catch the 10.30 am. Swanage Railway steam train to Swanage. We will then walk back to Corfe Castle village via Ulwell Gap and Nine Barrow Down following in the hoof prints of Ethelberta’s borrowed donkey as described in The Hand of Ethelberta. About six miles with one steep climb and one steep descent; please bring a picnic lunch. We will meet non-walkers at about 4.30 p.m. in the Square at Corfe for tea in one of the village tea shops. Last time this walk was attempted, we had to fall back on the wet weather alternative of an exploration of Hardy’s Knoilsea (Swanage), so hope for good weather.

A TE. Lawrence Walk - Meet at 10.30 a.m. at Culpepper’ s dish car park (NGR SY8 16925) for a walk led by Stephen Mottram on the themes of Egdon Heath, T.E. Lawrence, Hardy’s friends at Moreton House, and Moreton church with its Whistler windows. Lunch at the tea rooms in Moreton village and visit to Cloud’s Hill (Lawrence’s cottage - admission free to National Trust members). 6 miles (2 ½ miles in the morning, 3 ½ afternoon) mostly level, but with two moderately steep climbs, one after 4 miles and the other near the end. Lots of Hardy readings, varied scenery, a re-run of the leader’s 2003 walk, but in the reverse direction and with revised notes. Walk due to finish by 4.00 p.m. but with option of driving to Moreton for tea.

An Autumn Woodlanders Walk - a 5-mile fairly level walk in the Melbury Park (King’s Hintock Park)/Melbury Osmond area led by John Pentney. Meet at 1.45 p.m. at the south entrance to Melbury Park at the east end of Evershot village - NGR 576047, ample car parking space. Non-walkers may wish to join the visit to Melbury Osmund church which the walkers will reach at about 2.45 p.m. It is hoped to be able to arrange for tea afterwards at a nearby hostelry. Postponed from 2006.