At 618 feet, Golden Cap is the highest sea cliff on the south coast. At the summit is an inscribed memorial stone, the reverse of which has the enormous fossil shape of a sea shell  

The day was warm  and sunny at sea level but the higher coastal hills were periodically shrouded in fog, restricting views but adding a touch of mystery to the dramatic landscape. These misty conditions can be seen in the distance from the top of Thorncombe Beacon. The Beacon has good views forward to Chesil Beach and slightly inland Bridport.

Derek Lucas and Brian Gould set out on a very hot day (17th July) to walk the section to Winyards Gap. They started in the square in Broadwindsor where there is a plaque commemorating the occasion when Charles stayed at an Inn narrowly escaping capture there.

Derek continued along Common Water lane which is a delightful track, with lovely views on either side, this is thought to be part of a prehistoric ridgeway route.

Unfortunately the far end of the lane is closed at present to allow contractors access above the slopes above the Beaminster Tunnel. This was the scene of a tragic accident caused by a landslip last July. Although the tunnel opened on the 29th July, Common Water Lane will be closed until the end of August for completion of further work. Derek and Brian were able to see the work being carried out on the lower slopes, but then had to follow a path to the south to get around the closure. A short stretch on the road was quickly followed by a bridle way which soon became an enclosed track with welcome shade.  A climb then provided good views to the north, although slightly hazy it was possible to make out the Mendip Hills. Before long the War Memorial at Winyard's Gap was reached where a well earned rest was spent admiring the views from the seat there.  

Derek handing Trevor's Boots to Phil Bradshaw for carrying along section 44.

Paul left East Coker at 10.15 in murky humid conditions, he was joined by Derek Lucas and Peter Milligan.  They passed Pavyotts Mill and the site of a Roman Villa before entering Aldon Estate where a heavy shower forced them to shelter under the trees. When the shower had passed they continued walking down towards Ninesprings in Yeovil Country Park. They met two walkers who were slightly lost, with local knowledge they were able to give assistance and allow the walkers to continue in the right direction. 

 After passing Yeovil leisure centre, built on the site of the Town Railway Station which was Beeching'd, the group continued across the lower slopes of Wyndham Hill which is a prominent landmark with its group of trees on the summit. The next stage was along residential streets of Yeovil until the lunch stop at the Hundredstone, an historic parish boundary marker. Fortunately the rain clouds cleared just after they completed their break, and conditions became warm and humid. Refreshed, they started the drop in altitude towards Mudford along quiet country lanes, and then the delightful and ancient Droveway Lane, which was easy to image King Charles II using in his desperate escape from Cromwell's Roundheads. 

Crossing the main road through Mudford they walked next to the River Yeo for much of the remaining route to Trent, ending the walk close by Trent Manor. The whole walk took an enjoyable 5.5 hours.