The first weekend in September saw walkers head south to Dorset for a weekend of camping and walking. The group camped near Langton Matravers and on Saturday took in the spectacular coastal scenery between Chapman’s Pool and Durlston Head on a refreshing 14 mile walk. Foregoing the campsite cooking option, the group headed to the pub for dinner on the Saturday evening and even managed to find time to take part in a tricky ‘UK place names’ cryptic quiz sheet produced by the local church. Perhaps this helped to distract the two members of the group who managed to forget their sleeping bags and had to borrow bedding from the friendly burger van at the bottom of the camp site!

Unfortunately, on Sunday the weather was typically British but this did not deter most of the group from attempting a walk from Studland to Old Harry Walks. For anyone unfamiliar, ‘Old Harry’s Rock’ is the name given to a large singular stack of rock which marks the most easterly point of the Jurassic Coast heritage site and is one of the most famous landmarks and views in the area. Next to ‘Old Harry’ stands the small remains of ‘Old Harry’s Wife’ who collapsed into the sea in 1896 (his second apparently, his first wife collapsed into the ocean in 1509). Various legends explain the name of ‘Old Harry’ with explanations varying from the devil, to pirates and Viking raids.

Unfortunately, the walk had to be restricted to 4 miles before a retreat to the pub was made (Editor: We’re sure that was a tough decision for all involved!)

Hampshire 20’s and 30’s camping trips are always brilliant fun and it’s so nice to be able to take in different walking scenery with such good company. There’s usually one or two camping trips every summer so do keep a look out on our Walks and Events page if you are interested.

Many thanks to Andy for organising.