20 Yrs Younger after my Holiday in Dorset!

This was my first Ramblers’ Holiday and the first time on any walking holiday for about 20 years. Overweight, unfit and unaccompanied – I had my doubts about this holiday before I set off. Would my fellow holiday makers run off and leave me at the first bend in the track? Would they all be terribly wholesome? My conversational skills are poor – I am male after all, and can only grunt and lounge about on sofas! Furthermore, I am a Londoner; I breathe exhaust fumes.

Rejoice, dear Readers – it was super. Within minutes of arriving, I noticed the fresh air. The other members of the group were friendly and patient. The leader was relaxed and very helpful, the hotel was excellent, the staff charming, the food was great and Weymouth was a super base.

I loved the walks. Okay, the hills got to me a little, but I found that I soon adapted. The walks were great – Hardy’s monument with ridge way walking; I found a fossil tooth (at least it looks like one) at Maiden Castle, walked through the village which had the first ever Black Death cases (I didn’t even cough) and had a beautiful walk around Portland with magnificent views of Chesil Beach and out to sea. There was a gentle chatter among the ramblers and I was very relaxed. I even managed a day out in Dorchester and a visit to an old friend on my day off. And boy, I slept well!

My tip is bring one of those new-fangled walking poles, they make you feel twenty years younger.

I will be back for more. Definitely.