With the weather gearing up for the hottest May bank holiday on record, it was gratifying that 10 walkers were happy to turn up for Dorset's first Friday walk of the summer on the 22nd.

Starting on the top side of Upton Heath with its panoramic view over Poole Harbour we descended by a slightly challenging path to eventually cross the busy bypass and reach the more leafy delights of Upton Country Park.

The lovely walled garden at Upton House was temporarily closed but, as we were desperate to have a lunch break in the shade, this was not too disappointing. Straight back up the old Roman road we finished the walk, somewhat wilted, in the early afternoon.