How lucky we were today walking 8 miles under blue skies and warm sunshine across a gentle landscape of farmland. 22 in all, we first visited the 12th century Whitcombe Church where William Barnes the Dorset poet preached at the end of the 19th century.

Passing the nearby manor house of Minette Walters, the famous crime writer, we arrived in the next valley to see the stunning Palladian 18th century mansion, Came House, seen in the TV dramas 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Emma'. While there we spent some time in the 15th century Came Church where William Barnes is buried.

We then progressed to West Stafford, the home of Julian Fellowes creator of Downton Abbey, where we enjoyed our picnic next to the village hall, across the road from the Wise Man Pub.

Another mile walking in the sunshine we arrived back in Broadmayne where we'd started our day, to enjoy a lovely afternoon cream tea at Andrew, our leader's house. The perfect end to a perfect day!