An earlyish start from Denmead, Hampshire saw us on the road
by 8:00. A short country drive across to the M27, and Clare
and I were driving east at great speed (within the legal
limit) to Lulworth Cove. The road were actually quite busy
for a Good Friday ..... and particularly at that time of
morning. It didn't, however, slow us down until we reached
the non-dual carriageway road close to Ferndown. Anyway, we
were soon bypassing Wareham and on the 'B' road through the
Lulworth Army training ground. Interesting road signs too
...... 'Caution Sudden Gunfire'! Didn't hear a thing though.
We were pulling into an almost empty car park by 9:30, and
after a quick visit to the toilet, were kitted up on our
way. Beautiful morning with blue sky and the odd white puffy
cloud developing. Little breeze, but good enough for me to
be in shorts, with a short-sleeved shirt in the rucksack.
Having left the car park back onto the road, we headed in
the direction of West Lulworth until just before Hanbury
Farm. My planning nearly went down the drain here, literally
... there was a sign saying the path to Durdle Door was
closed because of a burst drain. Seeing as we were turning
north before Durdle Door we continued. The field was boggy
in the middle, the usual cow slurry we thought, although not
a problem with boots on. On reaching the stile at the other
end of the field, there was another sign ...... the burst
drain was actually the boggy section we had walked through.
The signs are obviously for the 'Sunday' walkers with there
clean white trainers!
We were soon passing through the campsite above Durdle Door,
heading north to Daggers Gate, where we joined a track going
northwest towards East Chaldon. A pleasant walk through a
rich green valley - full of sheep and very young lambs -
brought us to the country lane just east of East Chaldon. We
followed the lane to West Chaldon (even smaller than East
Chaldon) before rejoining footpaths to take us over to North
Holworth Farm At the farm, we joined a track and headed
south to the coastal path. More clouds had developed, but
there was still more blue sky than white clouds. As we
approach the cliffs, we could see quite a few people walking
along the cliff tops. It had been quiet up until now, but we
were soon to become part of the public holiday crowd.
We turned east at Holworth House, gaining height onto the
cliffs, then found a pleasant sheltered spot below the path
for a coffee and sandwich. (Stunning view across Weymouth
Bay to Portland and Chesil Beach area.) After a relaxing
break, it was back onto the South West Coast path and
heading east passing Whitenothe Cottages. Now these are real
'Des Res's' with a view. A row of cottages on the cliff top,
with no access road other than a field track. Long walk for
a pint though!
We contoured around West Bottom before dropping lower down,
followed by an ascent up to Middle Bottom. Little steep, but
not a problem. The coast stretched out ahead, with the sharp
contrast between the dry grass on tops, and the whiteness of
the cliff chalk. The sea is remarkable blue and clear along
this part of the coast. Looked inviting for a swim ..... but
suspect a little cold.
We soon reached Bat's Head and had a full view of Durdle
Door ...... it was busy. (Durdle Door is at the end of a
small cove, a rock arch on an arm extending from the cliff.)
I dread to think what it must be like on an hot summer's
weekend. We were soon mingling with the crowds as we made
our way south around Hambury Tout to reach the now full car
park. Once changed, we went for a coffee and a rather nice
plate of chips, followed by an ice cream.
What a brilliant 11 mile walk, with a surprising total
ascent of 2569ft, most of which must have been on the last 3
to 4 miles of the coastal path. It was very refreshing that
evening in our village local, The Forest of Bere, having a
couple of good real ale pints, reflecting on the long day's
outing. I love Bank Holiday weekends.
Some photos from the day on my website, address below
--
Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
'Mountains or Mole Hills ... summiting still brings
the same excitement'