Local walking charity steps up to break barriers across Dorset.

The charity known as ‘Ramblers’ is a group dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking across Dorset’s coastal areas, preserving and improving hundreds of thousands of miles of well loved paths and trails.

Group Leader of Dorset Ramblers, David Mitchell retired at the age of 63 and has been walking with the group for 10 years as a way to keep himself active and busy.

He said: “I really enjoy the aspect of meeting new people and love being out in the countryside – taking photos of plants, birds and the environment.

“I started walking when I met my wife when I was 30, beginning with the long distance paths like the Pennine Way in the Peak District

“It’s more of a sensing experience, something I’ll continue to do every week.”

What began as a small local walking community has steadily grown into something far more connected. Over time, the group collaborated with Ramblers, a network bringing together walking groups from across England, Scotland and Wales.

David added: “ To see the growth in the group is amazing, from 10 members to currently having 170 members.

“A lot of people have recently retired and are missing any kind of structure so we provide them something to start the week for people who have lost a partner and are looking for some company.

“People who are feeling isolated, we give them a non-threatening way back into social life. There is no pressure to be talking constantly on the walk, the fact that their walking side by side means a whole lot more.”

Their walks begin on Monday morning within an over hour drive of Bournemouth covering East Dorset and the New Forest. The distance can vary between 4-8 miles, with occasional day walks.

He said: “ The walks are a circular route, we’re walking through different sorts of landscapes – some heath, grassland and hills.

“I’m not against having a pint as a reward – seeing local pubs, selling different Ales.”

The future for Ramblers is bright as they continue to secure support from the government and help construct national and local policies to build a future fit for everyone to walk outdoors.