On Monday morning most of the group gathered at the town square in warm sunshine for a final walk along the coast to Durlston Country Park, led by Sandy.  We passed the pier and headed uphill, passing the Portland Stone Ionic columns dating from the early 19th century.  We headed uphill, pausing at the Coast Watch station on Peverill Point.  Later we entered Durlston Country Park.  After a mile or so walking through woodland along the coast we came to Durlston Castle with it’s cafe and globe.  The great globe is one of the largest stone spheres in the world, made of Portland Stone.  It was constructed in Greenwich in 1887 in Mowlem’s stone yard,  and brought to Swanage by sea.  John Mowlem the stonemason was born in Swanage and is commemorated in the town.

All too soon it was time to head back to Swanage by an inland route – no time to visit the cafe sadly.  A lovely end to a great weekend.  Thanks to the organisers and walk leaders.

Gillian.  Photos by Ida and Stuart