Our compact group of 9 members, one visitor and one lovely dog met up outside an entrance to Upton Heath under cloudless skies. We set off at a cracking dawdle, a pace we effortlessly maintained throughout our short half-day walk.

Setting off climbing the gentle gradient of the Roman road, we cut across open heathland with fine views over Poole Harbour and the Purbecks. A cool breeze kept us from overheating.

Descending to the Castleman Trailway along a good track we crossed directly over to join the Lizard Trail, one of several on Upton Heath. This took us to the lower reaches of the Roman road and our cars.

We all went on to the Acorn pub in Creekmoor, where we spent rather more time than we di on the walk! Needless to say, much gossip was exchangedboth during the walk and at the pub.