A walking group is encouraging people who have discovered a love for walking during the pandemic to join them.

Members of Bridport and West Dorset Rambling Club got back to what they do best and enjoyed an eight-mile walk in the west Dorset countryside.

They set off from Symondsbury towards North Chideock and climbed through the outskirts of Ryall to Hardown Hill with views of Golden Cap and the Marshwood Vale.

A spokesman for Bridport and West Dorset Rambling Club said: “The heath habitat of Hardown Hill is home to rare nightjars, sand lizards and the Dartford Warbler. The chert stone quarried here was used on the face of local buildings such as the chapel at Stanton St. Gabriel.

“We returned past Butt Farm, Venn Farm to the start after almost eight miles.

“Our club is affiliated to the national Ramblers Association and as such qualifies as a sporting organisation so that we can walk in a group larger than six. This is not easily achieved; our leader must carry out a risk assessment and we must practice social distancing as we walk. This requires a change from our usual good manners, no helping on another over stiles or through gates. We welcome walkers who wish to try walking with us.”

For membership information, call 01308 898484.