Our contribution to the NRM’s Rejoin Ramble is to send two representatives, one to join the ramble in England as far as Dover, the other to meet them in Brussels.

To raise funds towards this, we held our own ramble in Purbeck, starting from the picturesque Worth Matravers.

On Sunday, 10th May, in dry but breezy weather, nine of us met up and set off for the coast.

Six miles later, having heard about a huge 18th century shipwreck, admired the caves at Winspit quarry and chatted with the volunteer coastguards at St Aldhelm’s Head, we all took well-earned refreshments at the venerable Square and Compass.

Nine hardy ramblers took part in the 6-mile Dorset for Europe ramble this weekend, in breezy conditions.

We set out from Worth Matravers car park at midday heading for Seacombe to pick up the Smugglers’ Walk, westwards along the clifftops. Our guide Tony informed us of the  famous wreck of the Halsewell along this stretch, before dropping down to take a look at Winspit quarry, stone from which enhances many famous building in London.

From there we climbed back up onto the cliffs, making for St Aldhelm’s Head, where we had a brief chat with the volunteer coastguards and heard about all the sterling work they do to keep safe not just mariners but hikers, climbers, boulderers, coasteerers and all.

At this point the party split, not unlike the Fellowship of the Ring, five continuing on to tackle some serious ups and downs, four choosing to take a level route back, taking in a visit to St Aldhelm’s Chapel. All enjoyed stunning views from the Isle of Wight one way to Portland the other, with handsome white cliffs and rolling green hills for good measure.

The five stalwarts climbed to the Royal Marines memorial, skirting the picturesque Chapman’s Pool with the rather grim Houns Tout looming beyond, dropped down to Hill Bottom, through woodland and up a cleft to arrive back in Worth Matravers via a couple of fields.

All nine of us met up again at the venerable Square & Compass for refreshments and a chat about future pro-EU events, like the NRM march in June and our stall at the Tolpuddle Festival in July.

It was something of an East meets West Dorset event, with members from Bridport and Weymouth joining those from the Bournemouth area.

We were raising funds to support a Dorset representative joining the Ramble to Brussels, organised by the National Rejoin March team.

Many thanks to all who contributed, especially those who coughed up in spite of being unable to attend on the day; this account is especially for you.