On a cold but bright January day our band of 16 assembled at the Bere Stream famous for its watercress beds.

We climbed Black Hill circumventing Brian May's forest plantation (which is now fenced off to stop deer damage) to reach the Devil's Stone rumoured to be the site of satanic rituals.

Traversing the heath we descended Damer's Hill to reach the Piddle Valley at Turners Puddle. As the Piddle was in full flood we diverted past the pretty Church to admire the newly emerging snowdrops.

We ascended Kite Hill to reach a mature pine forest where we consumed our picnic sitting on numerous fallen trees.

Continuing through the forest we followed the ridge to eventually descend into the picturesque hamlet of Shitterton and followed the Bere Stream to our start point. Afterwards enjoying some welcome refreshments at the Royal Oak Pub.