Commanding views and glorious weather greeted our group of 16  for the start of a figure of eight walk all around the Osmington section of the Jurassic Coast. We descended through Ringstead woods and along the pretty gardens of Osmington Mills before joining the Dorset coast path in the direction of Weymouth. An inland diversion to view the White Horse ended back on the coast at Black Head with extensive views of Weymouth and across to the Isle of Portland.

Returning along the Coast path we reached the cove at Osmington Mills where some of us lunched at the famous Smugglers Inn whilst others picnicked on the downs nearby. Proceeding back along the coast path towards Ringstead welcome shade was provided by frequent wooded sections. We paused at Ringstead beach for a welcome ice cream break and having explored an unexpected architectural salvage yard continued along the coast path. Climbing steadily we passed Burning Cliff and the tiny St Catherine’s Chapel before turning inland back to our start point on South Down.

Chris Metz, event leader