We came to the memorial plaque of Dr Richard S Barbe-Baker OBE 1889-1982 a Forester and Conservationist. The next challenge was a freshly ploughed field with footpath straight across but wanting to keep our ankles and knee joints in tact we walked round the edge of this field. We walked up to the A35 and went across seeing the splendid views of West Bay and Chesil beach. Walking on we came to cross back over the A35 to the Abbotsbury fort, here 2 members decided it was coffee break while the others walked to the top view point and came back.


Once everyone was refreshed we got a move on along the lane, along a dirt track where upon we were greeted with 4 large metal gates all in a row, looked like the Grand National race course. No one offered to jump them so we walked through them.


Just up this track we came to the lovely woods of Bluebells and the remains of an old chapel.  Back onto the track. The next path was interesting although clearly on the map no visible sign across the field. The gateway was over grown and the next field just awful. 3ft  high stinging nettles and thistles no obvious route through, but Nick said yes this is the path. Those with bare legs suffered greatly!  SO so pleased to reach the road to Puncknowle.  The crown inn made us very welcome and food and drink went down really well.

Lesley Pemberton