Metchosin - one of the UK's most popular coastal paths, the South West Peninsular Coast Path, has a bit that goes right through a live firing range at Lulworth. It's still used during the winter as an armoured vehicle training ground but thankfully, they close it at weekends and during July/August, which is fantastic, as it is one of the most stunning parts of the walk.

As a consequence of the Ministry of Defence taking over 60 years and more ago, it's the least spoilt part of Dorset, apart from the odd shell crater and rusting tank - but even they provide food and shelter for various creatures. It's one of the few places you'll see all three British lizards, orchids grow unmolested, it's got it's own species of butterfly, the little blue Lulworth Skipper, and is well worth a visit.

LTS