A cloudy start, but the promise of a warm day resulted in 13 walkers meeting up at Shroton, looking forward to enjoying the North Dorset countryside at its most gloriously colourful. This included a contingent which we welcomed from neighbouring counties.

We walked eastwards following the Wessex Ridgeway before picnicking at one of the remotest spots on the route. Then headed back west through rolling country down to the Iwerne valley, with some photogenic stops along the way. The hot and rather sticky weather ensured that most of us were ready for a long cool drink at the Cricketers pub close to where we started.