Corfe Valley

Walking through the Corfe Valley today was glorious; the Sun shone, clear water from clean springs flowed through numerous small rivulets feeding the Corfe River, birds sang, animals did animal things and all around nature could be seen in the starting blocks and was clearly raring to go. We walked from Brenscombe Woods, up over the curved ridge line which defines the Isle of Purbeck, here we paused, taking in their spectacular views and breathing in the clean air. Then off again down and through the Corfe Valley, before rising up onto the hills which frame the rocky Jurassic coastline. Here we paused again, this time for a well earned cider from that most splendid establishment, The Square and Compass at Worth Matravers. With its fine beverages and excellent views out to sea, it would have been rude not to.  You've not been there, you say? Well, you're missing out http://www.squareandcompasspub.co.uk/, they also hold a mighty fine cider festival every June.  Then it was off along the coastal hills for a while before descending back into the Corfe Valley, through Langton West Woods, a jumble of coppice and mature Oaks and out across the valley, through the fields, which in the summer are perfect for picnicking or snoozing.   Finally, back up and over Brenscome Hill. It may have been a walk of ups and downs, though throughout you were walking on a high.