Despite the unsettled forecast and a brief hail storm, we actually enjoyed a mostly blue sky sunny day! Starting from the new village hall car park at Charminster Farm, one mile northwest of Dorchester, we made a gradual climb on paths and lanes up the left side of the Cerne river valley, with commanding views all around, of the beautiful Dorset landscape, and the occasional group of deer racing across the fields. At midday, reaching the highest point on the ridge, we made our descent down to the picturesque village of Godmanstone to enjoy a picnic lunch in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Church.

After lunch we crossed the road, past the Smiths Arms, which had the reputation of being the smallest pub in England, but now sadly closed. to follow the River Cerne back down the valley.

We then crossed the river Cerne, to return along the right-hand side of the valley, following the river, passing through two huge old farmyards; one of which, Forston Farm with sheds containing a collection of show-event steam engines and old tractors, which we were sadly directed away from;
diverted for a short stretch along the main-road, we passed a hidden-away-gem, Forston House, a grand Georgian country house once the local asylum in Victorian times, past various fields, cattle, sheep & horses, and an example of a now sadly ruined "Dorset barn";
eventually reaching once again the village of Charminster. With its grand houses, communal orchard, and the fine parrish church of St Mary The Virgin, surrounded by cherry trees full of blossom in the Spring sunshine, our group of 10 had reached the end of a 9.5 mile circular hike through part of Dorset's stunning countryside.

Before going home, we enjoyed a refreshing drink at the nearby Three Compasses Pub, completing a very enjoyable Spring day.

Report by Andrew R.

Pictures courtesy Andrew R.,Lawrence B., Stephen C., & Peter C.

Review created by Stephen C.

Walk https://www.goc.org.uk/event/charminster-down-and-the-cerne-valley-3/