What a way to start a hike! A forecast of possible rain and claps of thunder heralding our departure!
Undaunted, our group of 15 headed out from Broadmayne south eastwards across hilly farmland, towards the hamlet of Poxwell, home to the impressive Elizabethan Poxwell Manor, built in 1654, with its moat and ornate gardens. And should you so wish, there are holiday lets within the Manor itself!

Then westwards to Osmington over a ridge, affording grand views to the south of the English Channel and the peninsula of Portland.
Descending into Osmington, a very pretty village of thatched cottages and grander residences, we then continued westwards, along the valley, to see the spectacular white horse ridden by King George III, cut into the chalk hillside on our North side. He was apparently annoyed to be shown leaving nearby Weymouth, not arriving, being his favourite place for sea bathing.

We then arrived at the very picturesque village of Sutton Poyntz, with its lovely duck pond, surrounded by weeping willows and pretty cottages and the very popular Springhead Pub.

So here we enjoyed our packed lunches and a drink from the pub. Once refreshed, we set off northwards, up the incredibly steep horse shoe shaped valley of Spring Bottom, to join the South West Coast Path at the summit. However, on arrival, the spectacular views to the south over Weymouth, Portland, and the Channel were erased by fast-moving clouds and heavy rain sweeping in. So we pressed on eastwards along the ridge, eventually turning northwards, down into Broadmayne, completing our circular hike of 7 miles.

We were all then treated to a cream tea and plenty of Sherry trifle at the house nearby, of Andrew, our walk leader for the day, thus completing a very enjoyable day!