Purbeck

The sky was a glorious blue as we approached the Purbeck Hills. It's been a long time since we've been out this way, too long, and it looked like we'd chosen a good day to return. The walking was fantastic, though early on I did make a rookie mistake by attempting to negotiate the section of path running along the bottom of the ridge between West Hill and Church Knowle in winter, it was foolish, and the Corfe Valley rang with the my shouts of profanity. Whilst Geoff acquired a distinct Purbeck mud plimsoll line. Though once on top of the Purbeck Ridge the walking became much less laboured and fraught. And the views!  Well.  From high path you can see along the entire curved length of the ridge, as well as fabulous views along the Jurassic Coast and across the world's second largest natural harbour towards one of the south coast's largest conurbations...that juxtaposition never fails to amaze me.  One of my favourite parts of this particular walk is the path which runs along the top of Nordon Wood. Bare Ash now, soon enough the steep hillside wood will come alive and the woodland floor will become a carpet of Ramsons, Dogs Mercury, Bluebells and Spring Orchids. By April/May to walk the path along the bottom of Nordon Wood is to walk through a pungent sea of Ramson flowers, it's something to behold...and to smell. Then it was the long ridge top walk towards Corfe and more sublime vistas. It was a lovely day for a walk, and a lovely walk was had.