A longer and hillier than average Sunday walk, combined with the climax of the third heatwave of the summer - not likely to attract a huge turnout. Indeed we were down to just four in the end.

From Compton Down we dropped down past the pretty church of Melbury Abbas, then up through butterfly-rich fields and alongside many colourful gardens to our lunch stop in the hilltop town of Shaftesbury. Suitably refreshed, we began the afternoon by walking down the famous Gold Hill with its iconic model of a Hovis loaf at the top.

We all survived the intense heat, but only three of us made it to the high point of the day, Melbury Beacon. It was well worth the effort for one of the most panoramic views in Dorset.