A COMMUNITY walking group with the mantra 'there are no strangers here, only friends you haven't met yet' has reached 4,000 members.

Bournemouth Walk, Coffee and Cake is a 'fun and inclusive' walking group that 'caters for everyone'.

It was initially set up by David McArthur MBE in 2023, inviting Dorset residents to join him on free walks around the 'stunningly beautiful' Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole.

David said: "I realised very quickly that these free walks were truly making a difference to people's lives, so I set up 'Bournemouth Walk, Coffee & Cake'.

"It was a steep learning curve as it was my first foray into founding a Facebook Group."

Members of the group vary from six months old to 76, with their youngest actual walker only three years old. He walked over five miles and still wanted to continue once the walk was finished.

David said: "We started with local walks to reignite people's passion for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local area, and now we are doing events such as Ben Nevis expeditions and London adventures alongside walks, hikes and events throughout BCP, Dorset and the New Forest.

"Unlike some other local social groups, we are not groupist. We are more than happy to put on joint events with other groups and organisations. It's all about adding to life. Our events are many and diverse, unlike others, which are just about alcohol.

"We are open to walkers and hikers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. With four thousand members, you'll quickly make new friends. After all, there are no strangers here, only friends you haven't met yet."

David gave special thanks to Marc Curant, who joined the group as an administrator six months ago, saying, 'he is a massive support, and we are vert lucky to have him.'

Marc said: "We're about community, bringing people together, having a good time making new friends and having an absolutely fabulous time."

Depending on the type of walk, the group visit cafés and pubs. As we get closer to summer, the group is looking into twilight walks.

Marc added: "Everybody loves walking, everybody loves cafés, and everyone loves coffee shops."