Soak up the scenery as you walk with retired Dorset rights of way officer Chris Slade

Be warned, Yetminster is on clay soil so there are lots of muddy patches and some streams down paths so wellies are recommended! Start at the church, which is usually open and has some lovely stained glass and some medieval paintwork on beams.

Next, head north-east along the street, turning right at the junction and crossing over the railway bridge. Down the slope, where the road veers right, look for the start of a path leading east along a muddy sunken track that has water flowing down it. If you’re wellied you should manage, but you might prefer an alternative route starting by the adjacent sports hall. It takes you across the sports ground then uphill across several fields. It’s part of the Macmillan Way.

When you come to it, join the footpath on your right that leads you south-westwards to join the first path. It’s higher here so not as wet and muddy. This takes you eastwards for half a mile, crossing several fields to meet Knighton Lane, a track leading south-east along to the Stake Ford Cross where the parish boundary stream runs.

Join the road that takes you a mile westwards back towards Yetminster. As you’re approaching the village, going downhill, you’ll find a footpath signed on your left. Take it and enter Vecklands Wood, planted by the Woodland Trust. Take the path forking to the right and head south-west over the hill to Mill Farm close to a railway bridge.

Turn left and head south-east for a quarter of a mile to meet a bridleway that takes you uphill to the north where, by a litter bin, you find a path that takes you back through Vecklands Wood and the village where you can retrace your steps back to your car.

If you encounter any problems or obstructions on your walk, report them to Dorset Council (www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk). The more people who report, the sooner the problems will be solved!