Forty eight walkers set out from the Pines hotel on a damp and misty morning to explore the heaths to the north of Swanage. Upon exiting the town boundary, the group split into 2 walks.

Twenty two walkers and Callie, the collie,  headed north for 9 miles climbing steadily up Dean Hill to the sw corner of Godlingston Heath. The group stopped briefly for coffee on the heath, with distant views of Poole and Brownsea Island before a long, gradual descent to Greenlands Farm at the north end of the Heath and the drizzle finally stopped. They then headed east to where the heath meets the Ferry Road.

The group then turned south across Godlingston Heath and the weather improved again, before reach Studland village and lunch in the churchyard.

After lunch, heading east along the north edge of King Barrow with views of Poole Bay and Bournemouth, they reached Old Harry Rocks and the Pinnacles.  The group then turned sw along Ballard Point and steps down to Swanage.  Twenty two walkers returned, carefully shepherded by Callie, the collie over the 9.5 miles.

Raring to go outside The Pines Hotel

The group split for the short and longer walks

The group on Godlingston Heath

Lunch in the church in Studland village

Old Harry looking good!

Descent to Swanage from Ballard Point