A day out on Brownsea Island
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Brownsea Island, owned by the National Trust, is a gorgeous island and nature reserve sitting in the picturesque Poole Harbour. It is famous for its nature and history, as the home of red squirrels as well as the birthplace of the Scouting movement.
This is a leisurely day out in which we'll get the boat from Poole Quay, spend some time wandering around the island before getting the boat back. Please note there is a cost for the boat crossing as well as island entry - as detailed below.
We will meet at the meeting point as detailed below before getting our ferry tickets from the orange kiosk, for which we'll aim for the 11:00 crossing. An adult ferry ticket is £14.50 return. During the crossings you will get to see the delights of Poole Harbour - the second largest natural harbour in the world - including Sandbanks (home of the rich and famous), the other harbour islands, and glimpses of the Isles of Purbeck on the other side.
Entry to the island is £11 per adult (or free for National Trust members). Once there, I have no fixed agenda - we will stay as a group and probably conduct a circular walk of the island which is about 4 miles, with flexibility for us to stay longer at different places should the group wish. Please bring a packed lunch which we will eat at one of the many beaches. We will see some of the main sites including Brownsea Castle (closed to the public) and the Baden-Powell Scouting statue. Hopefully we will glimpse some red squirrels too!
As the group wishes, I intend for us to get the 15:00 or 16:00 crossing back to Poole. Once back there, I will propose visiting one or two of the lovely pubs along Poole Quay or in the nearby Poole Old Town.
Please note that dogs are not permitted to enter Brownsea Island by the National Trust.
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Picture credits:
@Anthony86
© Malc McDonald (cc-by-sa/2.0) geograph.org.uk/p/7209581
© Peter Trimming (cc-by-sa/2.0) geograph.org.uk/p/4138598
© Chris Talbot (cc-by-sa/2.0) geograph.org.uk/p/2220157
What to bring
For your comfort and safety please be prepared for the anticipated weather and the terrain of the walk - keep in mind the following:
Boots: light walking boots or decent trainers will suffice for this event.
Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. E.g. a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt, and in cooler weather an outer layer consisting of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece.
Waterproof Jacket: essential when out and about in all but the calmest of weather.
Hat: essential in summer to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Small Rucksack: One that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely. Place valuables in water proof bags inside.
Sunglasses: April- Sept: comfortable sunglasses enhance your pleasure and keep insects out of the eye
Water: even in winter one can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A hydration bladder is easier to use than bottled water, but higher maintenance.
Food: a packed lunch will be required. In addition you may wish to carry snacks.
Medicines: If you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments don't forget these!
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch, or pick something up in Poole to take before we get the ferry.
Please bring snacks and plenty of water if it is warm.
There is a cafe on the island by the ferry stop where we could get a refreshment or snack before boarding to come back to the mainland.