The post Christmas walk is always popular even on a cold dull windy day. 23 members arrived at the Ulwell Layby to be confronted by a stream running down the footpath. Fortunately , this was easily negotiated and the wettest part of the whole walk. Soon the group had a decision to make, climb up 210 steps onto the ridge of Ballard Down or a gentler walk but negotiating a fallen tree across the path. Members divided equally between the two options and, after using pruning saw and secateurs on the tree, the two groups remet at a stone seat on the ridge. An easy path led down to the Pinnacles and Old Harry Rocks. Owing to the chilling wind there it was decided not to lunch there but to walk along the popular track to St Nicholas Church, which had an ample supply of benches and more shelter for lunch.
Several small footpaths led us to Fort Henry and onto Ferry Road, which was crossed to start the well marked trail to the Agglestone . From there tracks led across two sections of the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, separated by the Corfe/Studland Road. From there a descent led to a short section of road walking before an easy trail back to the cars.
A wonderful walk, full of constantly changing distant views.