Up and over

A long walk today, over the Purbeck Hills, down and through the river Corfe valley, up onto the coastal ridge and out to Houns Tout. Some walk, nearly 12 miles at a good pace and every step through a wondrous changing landscape. Through Norden wood so lush and verdant, rising up through the trees, lit so beautifully by the growing Sun and out onto the Purbeck Hills. Spoilt for views, it would be easy to lounge here all day. Onward though, down into the Corfe valley, a walk through history; barrows, castles, lime kilns, old mills and ancient field boundaries, the land brims with signs of human pasts. What, another hill already? The slow climb up onto the coastal ridge affords new views, giving new perspectives. Then you're out on the coastal ridge, with the sea out in the distance. This route takes you along the ridge overlooking the Encombe house and the Encombe estate. As we walk I let my mind wander. What if? What a perfect place to live; my perfect place to live. The ridge out towards Houns Tout is long and exposed, I hadn't noticed the wind before. The air at Houns Tout is fresh and invigorating, I breath it in as I take in the spectacular views and a well deserved rest. Again spoilt this time with wild coastal views, it would be easy just to sit and lose myself. But no, we've still got the whole walk in reverse to do, only this time it appears somewhat longer and the hills just a bit steeper; strange. Not that I'm complaining, no, not at all. Every walk in Purbeck is a blessing, a chance to heal the wounds of modern living and lift the spirit.