West Dorset: West Bay to Osmington Mills

West Bay to Burton Bradstock (Burton Beach)

Monday 29 November 2010

Another linear walk - only 2.5 miles of Coast Path - this time starting from home in Bridport, firstly following the River Brit through the town and then across the meadows to its mouth at West Bay.

From West Bay the Coast Path starts with a steep climb up the iconic golden-coloured East Cliff (of Broadchurch' fame!).  After a dip to almost sea level, the path climbs again before dropping down to Freshwater Bay.  There is one more moderate climb for the final cliff-top section to the Hive Beach (National Trust car park) with its award-winning Hive Beach Café, open all year round: an excellent stop for light refreshment or a full meal.

On this occasion we walked into the village of Burton Bradstock and enjoyed lunch at The Three Horseshoes pub before catching the X53 bus back to Bridport.

South West Coast Path distance from West Bay to Burton Bradstock (Hive Beach):
4.0km (2.5 miles);
Total distance walked: 6.6km (4.1 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 897km (557 miles)

To South Haven Point: 118km (73 miles)

Burton Bradstock (Burton Beach) to Abbotsbury (Merry Hill)

Thursday 07 July 2011

A linear walk using the X53 bus from Bridport to reach the start of the walk at Burton Bradstock and, at the end, from Abbotsbury back to Bridport.

Much of the way is level walking, some of it along an old trackway which runs parallel to the beach.  This may not be as easy as it sounds: for part of the way it is necessary to negotiate stretches of shingle at the western end of Chesil Beach, which can be a test to the leg muscles.

The official route follows the footpath to the seaward side of Chapel Hill with St Catherine's Chapel (English Heritage) set on the top.  If you have the time and energy it is well worth the climb to the top of the hill and to wander around Abbotsbury with its beautiful thatched cottages, church, historic tithe barn, pubs, tea rooms and village shops.  There are also footpaths and bridleways linking with the South Dorset Ridgeway.

With time to spare, I continued on the 'official' route via the Swannery car park, past Horsepool and Clayhanger Farms to Merry Hill, making my way to Abbotsbury by means of the footpath and bridleway, reaching the B3157 road just to the east of the village.

Although I tackled this section alone on the day noted above, Elizabeth, nevertheless, accompanied me on other occasions, when we did it in shorter, more leisurely stages.  She, thus, has qualified for her South West Coast Path certificate!

South West Coast Path distance from Burton Bradstock (Hive Beach) to Abbotsbury:
11.0km (6.8 miles);
Total distance walked: 20.5km (12.7 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 908km (564 miles)

To South Haven Point: 107km (66 miles)

Abbotsbury to Wyke Regis (Ferrybridge)

Monday 05 September 2011 and
Saturday 31 May 2014 (walked twice)

An 11 mile linear walk which we used the X53 bus from Briport to Abbotsbury and the number 1 bus from Wyke Regis to Weymouth Kings Statue and then the X53 once again back to Bridport. There are good bus links to each end of the walk, which makes bus walks an easy option.

The Fleet

The Path follows an inland route as it leaves the Abbotsbury Swannery car park, climbing to give fine views of the unique Chesil Beach and the Fleet, then heading down to the shoreline of this almost completely landlocked stretch of brackish water, with the shingle bank of the Beach on the far side.

The South West Coast Path Association Handbook describes the stretch as 'easy'. There is a mere 291m ascent, but, when we did the walk (in May), it was hard going in many places because it was very, very wet and muddy. The handbook warns that the alternative route along Chesil Beach itself is 'extremely hard and slow walking' and that it is necessary to check that firing is not scheduled from the Chickerell Rifle Range. In addition, the beach is closed to visitors from 01 May to 31 August for the bird nesting season.  The 'official' route was for us!

Among wildlife spotted along the way were a field mouse scurrying across the path to the shelter of the wheat field, a green woodpecker, disturbed by us as we made our not-quiet-enough way and a number of little egrets on the shoreline of the Fleet.

South West Coast Path distance from Abbotsbury to Ferry Bridge: 17.5km (10.9 miles);
Total distance walked: 20.0km (12.4 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 925km (575 miles)

To South Haven Point: 89km (55 miles)

Isle of Portland (West)
Monday 29 August 2011

When we tackled the Isle of Portland we decided to do so in two (relatively) easy stages: firstly, from Ferry Bridge to Portland Bill and secondly from 'The Bill' back to Fortuneswell - at the northern end of Portland.

The Isle of Portland is linked to 'mainland' Dorset by the narrow strip of the south-eastern extremity of Chesil Beach. Thus the 'Isle' is not strictly an island.  It does, nevertheless feel very different from the rest of Dorset and, indeed, from the rest of the South West Coast Path.  As the SWCP Association Handbook puts it: 'Portland is rugged rather than pretty, but it is well worth exploring with superb views and a rich natural and historic heritage.'

With 'something different' in mind, we planned our day trip as a bus walk: firstly taking the bus from Bridport to Weymouth, then the local bus to Ferry Bridge for the start of our walk, pausing for cups of coffee at The Cove House Inn at Chiswell.

The way south passes the Tout Quarry Sculpture Park.  This is well worth making time to explore.

Along the path one is reminded of the heritage of quarrying on the island, whilst, in good weather conditions, the views over Lyme Bay are awe inspiring.  Had we really walked all that way - and more?

Arriving at Portland Bill one definitely has the sensing of being at the 'end' - not of the walk, but of land!  Even on a busy Monday in August it had an atmosphere that, I think, anyway, makes it a special place.  There were crowds, ice cream kiosks and a café; still it is a place to linger if time permits.

We returned to Weymouth on the open-topped bus; from there we took the X53 coastal bus back to Bridport.

South West Coast Path distance from Ferry Bridge to Portland Bill: 9.5km (6 miles);
Total distance walked: 10.4km (6.5 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 935km (581 miles)

To South Haven Point: 81km (51 miles)

Isle of Portland (East)
Sunday 04 September 2011

For this leg of the Isle of Portland circuit, we, once again did a linear walk, but this time driving to Portland and parking the car at Portland Castle.  From there we caught the summer-only bus to Portland Bill for the return walk to the car.

If you wish to do a linear walk at other times of the year - when the Portland Bill service is not running, there are, nevertheless, frequent services to and from Easton, Southwell and Weston.

South West Coast Path distance from Portland Bill to Portland Castle: 9.3km (5.7 miles);
Total distance walked: 9.3km (5.7 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 944km (586 miles)

To South Haven Point: 72km (45 miles)

Wyke Regis (Ferrybridge) to Preston

09 September 2011 and 28 July 2013 (walked twice)

An interesting linear walk (approximately 7.5 miles), passing through urban parts of Weymouth, the Old Harbour and along the sweeping sea front.

Weymouth Sea Front

There are frequent buses between each end of the walk, but it is necessary to change buses in Weymouth town centre. We parked our car in Preston and caught the number 4 bus to Weymouth King's Statue (the X53 also runs from Preston to King's Statue). From there we caught the number 1 bus to Ferrybridge for the beginning of the walk.

The Path follows the Rodwell Trail alongside Portland Harbour for the initial stretch before leaving the Trail at Sandsfoot Castle and heading along Belle Vue Road with its glimpses of the Harbour between the large houses above Western Ledges.

Sandsfoot Castle and Portland Harbour

The route continues into the gardens on The Nothe and then down the steps to the bustling harbour with its fishing and pleasure boats and the Condor Ferry Terminal.

Weymouth offers an abundance of places to eat and drink, shops and accommodation.

From the Old Harbour area the Coast Path then continues along Esplanade, past many amusements, seaside shelters and the Art Deco Pier Bandstand, then along the the flood defences parallel to Preston Road, with the RSPB Lodmoor Nature Reserve to the landward side of the road. Then there is the only significant climb of the walk - to the top of Bowleaze Coveway, passing the Waterside Holiday Park and Riviera Hotel on the way. The route that we took leaves the Coast Path at SY710820 and heads to Preston village passing Church Road Riding School and through a small part of the Waterside Holiday Park before following the lane past the church to the village.

South West Coast Path distance from Ferry Bridge to Bowleaze Cove: 10km (6 miles);
Total distance walked: 12.3km (7.6 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 954km (592 miles)

To South Haven Point: 62km (39 miles)

Preston (Bowleaze) to Osmington Mills
Thursday 05 January 2012

This section was completed as part of a circular walk, beginning and ending at Preston, where I parked the car in Verlands Road. Alternative car parking may be available in Osmington or Osmington Mills.

I joined the Coast Path near to Redcliff Point, where the footpath from Preston meets the Coast Path in the field above the Waterside Holiday Park and the riding stables (SY705831).

The route led me the couple of miles of the South West Coast Path to Osmington Mills, where I left the Coast Path to follow the South Dorset Ridgeway path (in a north-westerly direction) through Osmington. Shortly before reaching Netherton Farm, I left the Ridgeway and headed out on the footpath with views of the Osmington White Horse on the hillside above, across the fields, to Sutton Poyntz and then back to the car.

South West Coast Path distance from Broadrock to Osmington Mills: 3km (1.8 miles);

Total distance walked: 8.8km (5.5 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 957km (584 miles)

To South Haven Point: 59km (37 miles)

West Dorset: Lyme Regis to West Bay

Dorset Coast Path

All of the Dorset sections of Coast Path were completed as day walks, using car and/or bus to get to and from each end of linear walks.  Some parts were completed as circular (or 'panhandle') walks. We completed the whole Path on a gloriously sunny - but cold December day (Tuesday 30 December 2014)!

Lyme Regis to Charmouth

Tuesday 14 June 2011

This short section - less than 3.5 miles of coast path - was completed as a linear bus walk from Bridport using buses both to the start of the walk in Lyme Regis and from Charmouth - at the end of the walk.

The South West Coast Path Association Handbook tells us that major diversions have had to be put in place in this section to avoid considerable cliff falls that have occurred.  The old alternative route along the beach, below The Spittles and Black Ven remain closed following landslips.

The diverted route is well sign-posted, leaving the main (A3052) road just north of the Charmouth Road car park and eventually crossing the golf course before emerging, once again, onto the A3052 road before dropping down to Charmouth beach with its seasonal refreshments, car park and visitor centre.

South West Coast Path distance from Lyme Regis to Charmouth: 5.5km (3.4 miles):
Total distance walked: 6.5km (4 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead to Charmouth: 882km (548 miles);
From Charmouth to South Haven Point: 133km (83 miles).


SWCP-046.2

Charmouth to Seatown

Friday 07 February 2014

Lyme Regis from Charmouth Beach

A fine day after some stormy weather! We did this as linear walk from home, using the bus to get to the start of the walk at Charmouth and back home from Chideock (pronounced: 'Chidock') at the end.

Charmouth Beach Café and Visitor Centre - after the storm

After the storm

Golden Cap from Charmouth Beach

We started this walk at the Old Lyme Hill bus stop at the top of The Street, Charmouth, then heading towards Charmouth Beach by the South West Coast Path Official Diversion.

At the beach there was much evidence of the recent storms with stones and debris and damaged beach huts. Clearing up was in progress.

East of Charmouth there is a major diversion due to cliff slippages caused by a combination of wet weather and geology. We followed the official diversion along Lower Sea Lane, River Way, Bridge Road with the long, steady climb up Stonebarrow Lane. Adjacent to the National Trust car park on Stonebarrow Hill is the seasonal National Trust shop, where drinks and ice creams may be on offer.

From Stonebarrow Hill we headed towards Golden Cap, passing the buildings of Westhay Farm and joining the Official Coast Path just above Westhay Water. We could not open the gate above Broom Cliff: the latch appeared to be jammed, so we climbed the gate. Immediately having done so, our weight must have 'unjammed' the gate and it opened!  About 500 yards further on, above Kitwells Cliff (SY399923) we noticed some ominous cracking adjacent to the path and parallel to the cliff top. This area continues to be prone to slippage and we took this as a warning sign and reported it on the Dorset County Council website.

It is well worth the effort of the steep climb up Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast. The views in all directions are spectacular on a good day. Golden Cap is, for us, one of the iconic landmarks of the South West Coast Path.

Charmouth and Lyme Regis - looking west from Golden Cap

Looking East from Golden Cap with the distinctive outline of the Isle of Portland in the distance through the winter haze

At Golden Cap - the highest point on the south coast of England

From Golden Cap the path descends to Seatown, where there are toilets, a camp site with its shop (seasonal) and the Anchor Inn for food and refreshment. Unfortunately the Anchor was closed for refurbishment when we were there and the bridge to the car park had been washed away in the recent storms. The pub re-opened in April 2014 and is recommended.

Chideock provides the usual facilities (two pubs and a local store) and is about 0.75 mile inland from Seatown. There is a regular bus service calling at Bridport, West Bay and Abbotsbury to the east and Charmouth, Lyme Regis and Seaton to the west.

We headed inland to Chideock along Mill Lane and then followed the very wet and muddy path beside the water treatment works near to Doghouse Farm.  We, perhaps, should have stayed on Mill Lane!

Seatown - the bridge to the car park - after the storm

South West Coast Path distance from Charmouth to Seatown: 8.8km (5.5 miles);
Total distance walked: 11.8km (7.3 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 888km (552 miles);

To South Haven Point: 127km (79 miles)

Seatown to West Bay

Sunday 30 August 2010

The iconic East Cliff from West Bay

A linear bus walk from Bridport, firstly taking the bus to Chideock for the walk down to Seatown, joining the Coast Path there.  If you need supplies, stock up at the shop beside the bridge at Chideock or the seasonal store at the entrance to the caravan site at Seatown.  An early coffee at The Anchor, also at Seatown might be another option!

The Coast Path climbs to Ridge Cliff and then Thorncombe Beacon before dropping down to sea level at Eype Mouth; climbing once again to West Cliff before descending to West Bay, where there are all facilities: pubs, restaurants and several kiosks serving a wide variety of 'fast' food.  Some of these are seasonal.

West Bay Harbour

In addition there are regular bus services from West Bay to Weymouth and Poole, Bridport, Lyme Regis and Exeter, making bus linear walks feasible.

South West Coast Path distance from Seatown to West Bay: 4.8km (3 miles);
Total distance walked: 9.9km (6.1 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 893km (555 miles)

To South Haven Point: 122km (76 miles)

East Dorset Coast Path - Various Dates

Dorset Coast Path (East)

All of the Dorset sections of Coast Path were completed as day walks, using car and/or bus to get to and from each end of linear walks.  Some parts were completed as circular (or 'panhandle') walks. We did the final section of the South West Coast Path on a gloriously sunny - but cold December day (Tuesday 30 December 2014)!

Osmington Mills to Burning Cliff (Holworth House)
Sunday 16 November 2008

This section is part of a circular walk in the book Pub Walks along the Dorset Coast Path, by Anne-Marie Edwards, published by Countryside Books (walk 13).

There is convenient car parking at the hill-top car park and viewpoint at the end of the lane above South Down Farm (SY757824). An alternative might be to use the car park of The Smugglers Inn at Osmington Mills, which might provide a welcome refreshment stop en-route!

South West Coast Path distance from Osmington Mills to Holworth House: 3.2km (2 miles);

Total distance walked: 7.2km (4.5 miles).

Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead: 960km (586 miles)

To South Haven Point: 56km (35 miles)

Burning Cliff (Holworth House) to Lulworth Cove
Saturday 14 January 2012

This stretch of the Coast path was easily completed as a linear walk, using the bus from West Lulworth to Owermoigne which was just about two miles to the path above Ringstead Bay.  The section is strenuous in parts!

There is a limited year-round bus service from West Lulworth to Owermoigne, so careful timing may be necessary.  We parked the car near to West Lulworth church and caught the 09:26 Damory service 103 from the War Memorial to Owermoigne.

From Owermoigne we followed Gallows Hill in a southerly direction, passing North Holworth and Holworth, eventually reaching the South West Coast Path near Holworth House.

This section of the path passes by the iconic natural rock arch of Durdle Door, before descending to the Cove.

Durdle Door and the Isle of Portland

SWCP distance: approximately 7.3km (4.5 miles);
Total walked distance: about 12km (7.5 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead to Lulworth Cove: 969km (602 miles);
To South Haven Point: 45km (28 miles)

SWCP-050.3

Lulworth Cove to Kimmeridge

Lulworth Cove

We walked this section in three short day walks: Lulworth Cove to Arish Mell (a linear walk), Arish Mel to Wagon Rock and finally Wagon Rock to Kimmeridge Bay. These latter two were both what might best be described as 'panhandle' walks: look at a map if you want to see what I mean!

Note: these walks pass through the Lulworth Army Firing Range. The Ranges are open most week-ends and holiday periods, but not usually during the week. Check opening times online: http://www.dorsetforyou.com/lulworth-range-walks or by telephoning for information (01929 404819 or 01929 404712 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday).

Lulworth Cove to Arish Mell

Sunday 21 July 2013

For this linear walk (approximately 5 miles) we parked our car at the roadside in East Lulworth (please be considerate and do not cause any obstruction). From there we caught the bus to Lulworth Cove. The Coast Path leaves from behind the cafe, close by the large car park (Pay and Display) and the bus stop. There is plenty of accommodation near Lulworth Cove, including the YHA International Hostel (www.yha.org.uk/hostel/lulworth-cove) and plenty of places for refreshments. If you need to stock up with supplies there is a shop near the church.

Lulworth Cove

We followed the Path above Stair Hole, then down to the Cove before climbing to skirt around it high on the cliffs and entering the Lulworth Army Firing Ranges. Leaving the Cove behind us and shortly after entering the Ranges, we descended the steps to take a look at the Fossil Forest, before continuing on the Path. The climb above Mupe Bay up Bindon Hill justifies the South West Coast Path Association's description of this section as 'severe'!

At Arish Mell we left the Coast Path and headed north - away from the sea, following the Range Walk, back to East Lulworth.



SWCP distance: approximately 6.4km (4 miles);
Total walked distance: about 8.1km (5 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead to Arish Mell: 975km (606 miles);
To South Haven Point: 39km (24 miles)

SWCP-051.011

Arish Mell to Wagon Rock, Tyneham

Tuesday 01 January 2013

This is a 'panhandle' walk which can be started from the Tyneham car park ('Trust the Motorist' collecting boxes).

The route we took, however, started from the Whiteway car park and picnic area (SY888811) above Tyneham - making it a 'two-panhandle' walk.  The total walk was just over 6 miles. There were no places for refreshment on this New Year's Day walk.

From the picnic area we followed the Lulworth Range Walk, west to Flower's Barrow Hill Fort and continued on down the steep hill to Arish Mell, where we had turned inland from the Coast Path on the previous walk (see above). That meant returning - up the steep hill - to Flower's Barrow and a welcome picnic lunch break!



Worbarrow Bay from Flower's Barrow

From Flower's Barrow it is a steep - very steep - down-hill to Worbarrow Bay.   We were slow going down the hill and very glad of our hiking poles; even so, having to be careful where we put our feet. Most of the hikers coming up to the Barrow were equally slow, many resting part-way up. Not to be tackled - either way: up or down - by the feint-hearted or the unfit!

From Worbarrow Bay, where there are remains of the deserted fishing village, it was another climb to Gad Cliff, before turning inland towards the deserted Tyneham village, which was requisitioned in December 1943 for the war effort.

From Gad Cliff looking East

We left the Coast Path above Gad Cliff (SY884796), where the Range Walk passes down to the village. We then carried on, past the church and up the trackway to the picnic area and car park.

SWCP distance: approximately 3.7km (2.3 miles);
Total walked distance: about 10.2km (6 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead to Wagon Rock: 979km (608 miles);
To South Haven Point: 36km (22 miles)

SWCP-051.2

Wagon Rock to Kimmeridge Bay

Sunday 13 January 2013

Another 'panhandle' walk, starting from the Tyneham car park ('Trust the Motorist' collecting boxes); the total distance of the walk was about 6 miles.

Muddy in places!

From Tyneham village we retraced our steps to the Coast Path above Gad Cliff (SY884796) along the Lulworth Range Walk, passing the bays of Brandy and Hobarrow - where it was very muddy in places after a long period of rain.

We left the Ranges at the oil well with its 'Nodding Donkey' pumping oil from below ground and stopped for our picnic lunch overlooking Kimmeridge Bay.



Kimmeridge Bay and Clavell Tower

We had originally intended to return to Tyneham by going north along the Range Walk, past Shepherd's Cottage, just inside the Firing Range. Instead, we decided to continue to the large car park at Kimmeridge Bay and took the footpath from near the car park (SY908792) at Gaulter Gap, across the fields to the bridleway leading to the Range Walks (SY909801). Be warned: if you follow this route, the section leading to the stone marker is very steep - and, when we did it, was very slippery: as I found out - the hard way: front down flat on the ground!

We then returned to Tyneham along the ridgeway Range Walk, rejoining the Coast Path above Brandy Bay, leaving it, once again, above Gad Cliff.

South West Coast Path distance from Wagon Rock to Kimmeridge Bay: 2.7km (1.7 miles);
Total distance walked: 9.5km (5.9 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 981km (609 miles)

To South Haven Point: 34km (21 miles)

SWCP-051.3

Kimmeridge Bay to Rope Lake Head

Tuesday 24 August 2010

(From 'Pub Walks in Dorset' (walk 15): 'The Restaurant at Kimmeridge')

A circular walk, parking in the Quarry Car Park (SY918800) above Kimmeridge.

Commence by taking the footpaths across the fields to Kimmeridge Bay, where the South West Coast Path is joined for a couple of miles (3km), as far as Rope Lake Head, passing Clavell Tower on the way.  From Rope Lake Head, cross the stile and climb the 'unofficial' footpath up to the viewpoint on Swyre Head before heading north-west and back to the car park.

South West Coast Path distance from Kimmeridge Bay to Rope Lake Head:
3.1km (1.9 miles);
Total distance walked: 8.3km (5.2 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 984km (609 miles)

To South Haven Point: 31km (19 miles)

Rope Lake Head to Chapman's Pool

Tuesday 28 October 2014

Another circular walk: this time from the Forestry Commission car park at the Kingston Plantation (SY943792), from where our route took us past Polar Wood to Swyre Head with its spectacular views, before the descent via the permissive path to Rope Lake Head.

From Rope Lake Head it was a simple matter of following the South West Coast Path for two and a half miles or so before heading to Hill Bottom.  The problem was, that we must have missed a way-mark and, instead of following the 'official' path, more or less following the contours to the head of the valley, we headed down to cross the stream close to its mouth.  This was no great hardship, but it did entail a bit of a scramble!

We then followed the bridleway on the eastern side of the valley, to Hill Bottom and then headed across the fields and along the lane back to Kingston and the car park.

South West Coast Path distance from Rope Lake Head to Chapman's Pool:

4.1km (2.5 miles);
Total distance walked: 10.6km (6.6 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 988km (614 miles)

To South Haven Point: 27km (17 miles)

Chapman's Pool to Dancing Ledge

Wednesday 05 November 2014

South West Coast Path from Chapman's Pool to Dancing Ledge (8.4km/5miles).  This is a linear walk from Kingston (car parking in Forestry Commission car park) to Chapman's Pool, St Aldhelm's Head and Dancing Ledge, where we turned inland to Langton Matravers via Spyway Barn and Durnford Drove.  

There are regular bus links* between Langton Matravers and Kingston, making this an easy bus walk.  Check bus times first!

The walk total is approximately 12km (7.5 miles), although we seemed to add a little exploring Worth Matravers while waiting for the bus to Kingston.

*Hourly week-day service: More bus 40 (Swanage to Poole via Langton Matravers and Kingston).

• A fine sunny day
• Crow, Peregrine Falcon; Dark Bush Cricket
• 219 steps (up) to St Aldhelm's Point

South West Coast Path distance from Chapman's Pool to Dancing Ledge:
8.4km (5.2 miles);
Total distance walked: 13.1km (8.1 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 996km (619 miles)

To South Haven Point: 19km (12 miles)

Dancing Ledge to Swanage

14 November 2014

Another bus linear walk: this time from Langton Matravers (Durnford Drove Car Park), passing Spyway Barn to Dancing Ledge and then on the Coast Path to Swanage to catch the bus* back to Langton Matravers.

Dancing Ledge

This section of the Path is graded as moderate, but after a period of heavy rain in places the going was quite slippery and care was needed to avoid slipping and sliding.  Elizabeth wondered which of us would slip over first!  Fortunately neither of did!  Somehow we missed the way above Blackers Hole, even though the SWCPA Handbook warned us about the poor signing in the Durlston Country Park.  Instead of following the lower path, we found ourselves on the upper one: a very muddy one with springs which needed to be negotiated.

There was a distinct lack of seats or benches, so we made ourselves as comfortable as we could on the plinth of one of the Mile Indicator Posts for our mid-day picnic stop.

After our lunch break, we headed onwards towards Anvil Point with its lighthouse, passing Tilly Whim Caves and rounding Durlston Head to view the globe were glad to be able to pause for refreshments at Durlston Castle.

The globe at Durlston Head

Durlston Castle

From Durlston Castle we followed the signed 'permanent diversion' as noted in the SWCPA handbook.  At a gate on Belle Vue Road, however, we spotted the familiar acorn long distance footpath sign and duly went through the gate, down the steps to a wooded area.  We felt sure that we were heading back in the direction from whence we had come; fortunately, some local people confirmed that we were heading back on the path which had just recently been re-opened!  We therefore returned - up the steps - and continued on to Peveril Point and Swanage. 

In Swanage we headed for the bus station adjacent to the Swanage Railway Station.  Our number 40 bus was on the stand and pulling away as we rounded the corner.  The kind driver stopped to let us on, saving us an hour's wait.

*Hourly week-day service: More bus 40 (Swanage to Poole via Langton Matravers and Kingston).

• Another fine sunny day after a very wet spell of weather.  Paths were very muddy in places!
• Coffee and tea at Durlston Castle. 

South West Coast Path distance from Dancing Ledge to Swanage:
7.9km (5 miles);
Total distance walked: 9.5km (5.9 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 1002km (623 miles)

To South Haven Point: 13km (7 miles)

 Swanage to South Haven Point

30 December 2014

Old Harry Rocks

The final section of the 630 mile path and we were joined on it by our son, Jonathan.

We completed the Path with a linear walk, using the bus (Service 50 More Bus) from the end of the walk at South Haven Point to Swanage Bus Station, where we started our walk.

It was a glorious, sunny December day, bringing out the crowds on what was for many people a holiday.  Once again there was something of lack of seats or benches on this stretch.  So when we reached Old Harry Rocks we perched ourselves beside the path at the top of the cliffs and made ourselves as comfortable as we could for our mid-day picnic stop, surrounded by the day trippers, some of whom eyed us as if we were behaving rather oddly!  Perhaps they thought that the idea of people picnicking in December was rather strange.

After our lunch break, we headed on and towards South Haven Point: along the sands of Studland Bay before turning the corner into Shell Bay for the short final stretch to the South West Coast Path marker adjacent to the Sandbanks Ferry.

Almost there......

Ice Sculpture in Shell Bay



Final crossing....

• Another fine sunny day
• Picnic at Old Harry Rocks. 

We had set out from the 'other' South West Coast Path sculpture at Minehead three years, three months and five days previously (on Sunday 25 September 2011).  To arrive at South Haven Point was, for us, a huge achievement, having suffered (and recovered from) a twisted ankle (Vaughan) and Elizabeth falling flat - not quite on her face - atop Tintagel Castle.

What next?  Vaughan's response was to simply carry on in an easterly direction - to Dover and South Foreland at St Margaret's at Cliffe, where, it could be argued, the South Coast of England becomes the East Coast.

That is a whole other story, but we reached the lighthouse at South Foreland on Friday 07 April 2017.

Now where next?

South West Coast Path distance from Swanage to South Haven Point: 12.5km (7.8 miles);
Total distance walked: 13.5km (8.4 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 1015km (630 miles)

To South Haven Point: 0km (0 miles)