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)