Don't you just luv em!
Seeing as it was a good forecast for the weekend, I decided I would venture
down to Dorset and walk a section of the South West Coast Path from
Kimmeridge Bay to Lulworth Cove, returning the same way. Now, the whole of
this sections runs through Lulworth Firing Ranges, and is often closed. So,
I checked the website on Wednesday, open this Saturday. Phoned on Friday,
recorded message said open on Saturday. All looking good, although no where
is it stated as to what time the Range opens.
Early start from home near Portsmouth, and after an 80 mile drive was
setting off just after 8:00 from above Kimmeridge village. (The Range Sign
as I drove past Corfe Castle said the range was open.) Caught a glipse of
the Range flag down at the bay, but thought it would soon go. Not so. At
the gate by 8:30 to find it locked. Gloom. Waited and waited, then at 9:30
decided with much disgust I would have to walk east along to Chapmans Pool
and back over Swyres Head. Still a nice walk, but not as good as going
west. I was halfway along the path around the bay, and I noticed the flag
above Kimmeridge village had gone. Blimey I thought, its opening. Quick
about turn and back to the gate. Waited a further 15 minutes and nothing,
gate still locked. So, being a bit miffed, I went over the high gate,
through a gap in the razor wire, and merrily proceded along the path. I did
noticed that it eventually opened .... and was expecting some burly MOD
guard to come and take me away, but I survived!
Anyway, I didn't have time to get out to Lulworth Cove, but had a great walk
to Arish Mell for lunch, then returned along the same route but passing
above Kimmeridge Village for the final leg. It was a great day, but better
if the Range had been open earlier so I could have made it to Lulworth Cove.
Slideshow of photos from along the route at the address below.
--
Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
'Mountains or Mole Hills .....
summiting still brings the
same excitement'