Dorset with a hint of Finland: sustainable tourism on a weekend break

An eco housing development built on disused quarries offers visitors the chance to explore woods and heath, and enjoy lake activities

“Adders … Keep to the path.”

Now there’s a sign to grab attention on a carefree saunter in the Dorset countryside. I study the winding pine needle-strewn trail and mossy rocks at my feet hoping to eyeball a lethargic serpent in need of a little heat to perk up the cool late summer. Nothing doing – adders are shy. And anyway, a windy grey day is unlikely to lure reptiles or many other creatures into the open.