Ramblers will be tackling an exposed route next month along the Dorset coast.

More than 20 walkers will be shedding their clothes to make the 20-mile journey between Swanage and Lulworth – weather permitting.

Leader of the nude walkers is 62-year-old Chris Lamb, who accompanied celebrated naked rambler Stephen Gough during part of his mammoth Land’s End to John O’Groats trek last year. Mr Gough’s girlfriend Melanie Roberts has promised to join in the event.

Stephen Gough will be unable to take part because he is currently serving a prison sentence in Scotland for causing a breach of the peace while walking naked in public.

Mr Lamb maintains the naturists undertaking the walk will not be breaking the law because they will not be exposing their genitals with the intention of causing alarm. He said: “The law is aimed at stopping flashers who jump out to get a kick out of alarming people.”

He said the walk was more of a ‘clothes optional’ ramble. If the weather is bad, then they’ll don clothes, but if it hots up, the kit comes off.

The Marine Conservation Society will benefit from the sponsored walk. Marianne Steele of the society said she was delighted that British Naturists had adopted the charity this year.

Dorset Police said they hoped to work with the organisers to post warning notices along the route of the 2 June naked ramble. Anyone wishing to take part is asked to congregate at Swanage Pier at 9am, dress optional.