DORSET’S Labyrinth is now officially open. Situated at Holton Lee, near Poole, the Labyrinth is designed as a symbolic form of pilgrimage so that people can walk the path, pray and meditate.

I visited the path last year during its construction, when I made my way round circular turnings which had been clearly marked out in the ground. Then it was just string and pegs marked out in scrubby waste land, but even then it was possible to see how walking a Labyrinth could help a visitor lose the outside world and quieten the mind.

Last week I returned to find a beautifully finished path.

The completed Labyrinth is the result of many hours of hard work of volunteers from mixed faith groups to create a path suitable for both wheelchairs and visually impaired people.

At its opening last Wednesday, Interfaith Minister, Rev Noel Lockyer-Stevens said: “This Labyrinth meets the underlying ethics of Holton Lee, that each person is valued.

“We’re all connected to the earth and the beautiful environment that surrounds us. “There is a lot of conflicting views in faith, but they all agree in the underlying value of love.”

Louise Tarrier, one of Holton Lee’s trustees explains that the Labyrinth is for everyone, whether Muslim, Christian, Jewish or those who have no faith. “Anyone can walk the labyrinth. They can walk, run, ride in a wheelchair or dance. We hope it will be here for many years to come as a place of respite and meditation.”

In fact, before its official opening, Bishop Moses, Bishop for the Episcopal Church of Sudan, did actually run round the Labyrinth during his visit. And pupils from Victoria School tested the path by driving round in their wheelchairs, so the Labyrinth is ready for anyone who wishes to visit.

For further information see www.holtonlee.co.uk