Dorset – 29 July 2011

We have just returned from 3 nights camping in Dorset. What a change for us – the weather was perfect and the tent was packed up dry on the last morning. It was our first time walking in the area and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We visited Lulworth Cove in the early evening when most of the tourists had left. Perhaps the lack of people made it so pleasant!

The next morning we set off to visit Tolpuddle and a circular walk that we both described as one of our most pleasant ever – varied terrain and we hardly saw a sole on the whole walk.
After a picnic lunch sitting under the shelter beside the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ tree, we drove to the village of Osmington.
Osmington was the start of strenuous but quite enjoyable walk up to the White Horse before walking for a couple of miles along a ridge and descending back to Osmington. In the evening we visited Corfe Castle. Fortunately, it was just before closing time and there were not many people around but it was still more crowded than we like.

The following day we headed to Sturminster Newton and a lovely long walk from Newton Mill (still works for tourists) to Cutt Mill which was derelict, falling down and certainly would never work again.
We returned to Sturminster along the bank of the River Frome and were treated to some lovely views and total tranquility.

After a picnic lunch overlooking the Newton Mill Pond we visited Kingston Lacy (National Trust) and were impressed by the garden and grounds as much as the house itself.
We thoroughly enjoyed our brief sojourn in Dorset and will no doubt return.