"..and lashings of ginger beer"

"Five go mad in Dorset", the parody of Enid Blyton's Famous Five books which I very clearly remember as a child (blah blah blah stolen plans blah blah kidnapped blah blah mad scientist blah blah).  The five, and Timmy the dog, were always cycling down country lanes, having picnics with loads of turkey and ham sandwiches, and 'lashings of ginger beer', while planning the rescue of their kidnapped uncle who was a mad scientist.  Or something similar.  So, the country lanes are still there, the beautiful rolling hills and downs, and the stunningly beautiful coastal bays and white cliffs are still all there.  It's just that there are So Many People as well!  You have to work hard at imagining the quiet coves with no shops, cafes, or tourist gimmicks, and the stealthy slap, slap, slap, of oars as smugglers move their booty around the coast.

Where we are staying - just near to Corfe Castle, in fact you can see it from the bedroom window -  is beautiful rolling countryside with hedgerows and long walking paths across hills, with views to the sea.  The coast is all part of the Jurassic coast and the geography and history is all so interesting.

To be taken around by one's lovely and generous host, who knows this land like the back of her hand and can lead you to the most charming of walled towns (and find good coffee!), and around the back country roads, is a gift indeed.  Knowing where to look and what lies behind the heavily hedged lanes, and what shortcuts to go via, does make a difference!

Dorset is full of thatched cottages, surprising little pubs, and lots of lovely cider.  I'm getting quite fond of cider.

There's lovely!