Weymouth Run and Week : South Dorset Section

Agenda below for the South Dorset Section’s 2024 Weymouth Run and Week.

Sunday’s Run starts at 10:30am, while the runs on Monday to Friday start at 10:00 from Bagwell Farm, Chickerell, DT3 4EA.  If you would rather join the riders at the first coffee stop, assume that would be about one hour later. i.e. be at the Hambro Arm’s, Milton Abbas at 11am for the Monday run etc etc.

VMCC – South Dorset Section
Resume’ of planned rides for the Weymouth Run and Week -2024

Sunday 12th May – The Weymouth Run starts proceedings for the week and this year we have returned to our original venue on the Promenade at the Jubilee Clock, by kind permission of the Town Council. Leave the site as directed by the marshalls as we head south before making a ‘U’ turn to go back along the seafront before we head inland, the route includes some of the original route used in 1968. Our first coffee stop will be at The Rainbow Garage Cafe. We next travel east and then south to the coast where spectacular views abound. The views continue as we traverse the army firing ranges of Lulworth before dropping down to Lulworth Cove for our lunch stop. There are plenty of places to get refreshments and do make time to walk down to the Cove. A shortish ride will take us to the Owermoigne Garden Centre where the afternoon tea stop has been arranged. After tea a short hop back to the Weymouth Pavilion to conclude this ride. A nice easy day to break you in gently. Total mileage = 67.6 miles.

Monday 13th May – This morning’s ride heads northeast enjoying good views as we go. We are going to the familiar village of Milton Abbas for coffee at the Hambro Arms. This village is always worth a visit and specially to see the school and abbey as we approach the village. A further gentle route of 19 miles will take us on to Gillingham for a lunch stop at the Moto Corsa Cafe where a few choice motorcycles will be on display. A 20 mile ride across the Blackmore Vale will take us to Glanvilles Wootton Village Hall where a group of ladies will provide us with tea and cakes. Please consume and contribute as all proceeds will go to support a local church. Having taken your fill a ride south of 18 miles will take us back to Bagwell Farm. Along the A352 as you enter the village of Cerne Abbas the famous Cerne Giant is visible on the hill to your left. The longest ride of the week. Total mileage = 88.5 miles.

Tuesday 14th May – Today we head east once more as we go to The Walled Garden at Moreton for our coffee stop. Next door is the cemetery where Lawrence of Arabia was laid to rest. Take a few moments to visit his grave if you wish. Next we travel further east to Upton Park. This is owned and maintained by Poole Council. There are lots to see and a nice cafe for use as our lunch stop. Returning west we next visit the stately home of Athlehampton House. In the Long Gallery afternoon tea will be served. Back then through Weymouth to return to Bagwell Farm. Total mileage = 77.4 miles.

Wednesday 15th May – Travelling west today a route of 21 miles will take us along the coast road before heading inland to the Stableyard Cafe at Broadwindsor for our coffee
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stop. Still travelling west we will pass a viewing spot at Pilsden Pen. This hill is the tallest in Dorset at 994 feet. Onwards we go till reaching Lyme Regis where lunch can be taken. Spend a bit of time looking around this historic old town. Next we head east until we get to West Bay. Always a favourite of motorcyclist from miles around and well worth a visit, The ice creams and teas are pretty good too. After which a return along the coast road will lead everyone back to Bagwell Farm. Total mileage 71.4 miles.

Thursday 16th May – Today we travel northeast once more as we travel across some real rural Dorset countryside. Once more wonderful views abound as we go to Winterborne Whitechurch and the Crafty Barn Cafe for our coffee stop. More nice views as we go further northwards and on to Pimperne and to Lo’s Cafe for our lunch stop. Also on site there is a fitness centre should you wish to shed some of the excesses of the week so far. Now fit and rearing to go once more we travel back across the county and go to Charminster and to the Three Compasses Inn. This is the home of the South Dorset Section and the landlords, Rob and Tina, will supply you with tea and cakes. Just a hop of 11 miles, back over Hardy’s Monument, will lead you back to Bagwell Farm. Total mileage = 82.1 miles.

Friday 17th May – The last day so we have a shorter route to round off our weeks riding. Another run along the coast road (well you can never get too much of our coast road) before we turn inland and we will visit the Kingcombe Centre. The cafe here is our coffee stop. This is an interesting place to visit. The farm here has always been farmed organically for centuries. It is now used for educational purposes and for holiday lets to allow its visitors to appreciate the natural wildlife and the flora and fauna. Next more nice views as we head over the hills to Leigh and stop at the Hann’s residence. Here a free buffet lunch will be provided and there might be a few rusty bikes to be inspected. After lunch we will do a straight run back to Bagwell Farm and the finish. Total mileage = 61.2 miles.

We hope you have enjoyed your week touring around Dorset and we are planning to do similar things next year. We would be delighted if you could join us once more. Best wishes and have a safe journey home.