Saturday, 28 June 2014

swanage


Swanage


Lighthouse at Durlston Head


Leaving Dorset mostly behind me



St Aldhems chapel at St Aldhems head


Looking towards hounds tout


Looking back at the ranges


Day 29 - The last full day

I can't believe that it's almost over. I thought today would be a tough day starting in the ranges from Lulworth and finishing in Swanage, but it proved to be about an average kind of day and again the weather was extremely benevolent.
I have exhausted the superlatives for the weather and scenery combination, but yet again today didn't disappoint. At times it clouded over but never really threatened anything other than a minor shower and the afternoon again brought beautiful sunshine.

Thanks again for all the donations and support. I had doubts at times during the trip that I would make it all the way, but the pledges get me going.

Enjoy the last full set of photos.

Thanks

Friday, 27 June 2014

Lulworth Cove


Lulworth Cove


Above Lulworh


Superb weather (Portland in the background)




Durdle Door


Durdle Door


Swire head


Long way down


On route to Lulworth


On white Nothe


Above Ringstead


Beach at Ringstead bay


Day 28 - started poorly but finished so well

I feel a bit of a fraud today as it was a very short day. I'm not sure of the exact mileage but I don't think it can be too much more than 12. On most days that has been around a half day mileage!

Today started overcast and I left Weymouth about 9 and by the time i got to Osmington at 11 it was steady rain. This continued until about midday, but after that the weather just kept improving until by mid afternoon it was warm and sunny. I reached Lulworth around 3 so had plenty of time to look around.

One down side is that I found out today that the Lulworth Ranges don't open until 9 so the first part of tomorrow's walk will be a road detour. Never mind; still looking for to the last full day.

Enjoy the photos

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Weymouth Old Harbour


At Portland - no longer the turquoise blue sea of Cornwall and Devon


At Portland - no longer the turquoise blue sea of Cornwall and Devon


Marker at the bill (nearly there)


Portland Bill


Church Ope Cove on Portland


Wet or what?


Welcome to Weymouth


Final view of the Fleet lagoon


Moonfleet Manor (wasn't there a book or film about it?)


The Fleet


The Fleet with Chesil Beach behind


Day 27 - it couldn't last

We'll after 3 weeks of almost unbroken sunshine today started cloudy and degenerated until at midday  a deluge arrived. Fortunately I had completed the Abbotsbury to Weymouth section by the time it arrived so was able to hole up for a couple of hours and managed to check In to the b and b so I could do the Portland circuit without my pack.
Unfortunately the weather didn't improve much, but at least I managed to complete this afternoon without a sodden pack.

Tomorrow's forecast is similar but as I have a relatively short day I'm reasonably confident I can dodge the showers!

Finally; a BIG thanks to everyone who gave money so generously as I believe I have actually exceeded my target.

Wednesday, 25 June 2014

The Fleet at Abbotsbury swannery


Long and flat and long way to Weymouth


Looking back to Seaton


View towards Portland from the trig point on Golden Cap


Looking towards Lyme bay from Golden Cap


Golden Cap


Day 26 - A change is a coming

Today was again one of two distinct parts. The first was the roller coaster of hills between Lyme and Burton Bradstock and the second the almost completely flat section east of Burton to Abbotsbury.
The weather is definitely changing. Today started warm and clear but got progressively more cloudy and windy.

The start was road walking through Charmouth as there hasn't been a proper coastpath between Lyme and Charmouth for years because of slippage. From Charmouth the walk up Stone barrow was long, slow and a climb back to the coast. After getting there I had the pleasure of walking over Golden Cap which is the highest point of the South Coast and then 
on to Seaton and West Bay.
After Burton Bradstock the only issue was around West Bexington where for about 2 miles the walking is along shingle beach. Extremely hard work. Ever had the running in sand dream? It was a bit like that.

Got to Abbotsbury about 6, so all in all a good day. Heavy showers forecast for the rest of the week. Just hope kits not too bad.

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Lyme bay


Lyme (the Cobb)


Lyme Regis


Day 25 - a very disappointing day

The day was one of two definite halves. The first between Sidmouth and Seaton was great. Mainly high and reasonably flat but punctuated with 3 big ups and downs to access the coves in between.
The second was really non existent as coastal walking is concerned. Because of a major land slip the whole of the section between Seaton and Lyme has been diverted along roads. Really rubbish and really hard on the feet.

Didn't want to bore you with road views, so less photos than before; sorry.

Seaton bay