Ruth Livingstone
My book: Walking the English Coast
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Winfield’s Award
Killer Cows: Cattle Safety
Devon or Staffs; dog or no dog; near misses with cows happen – they need fencing off
Report: 1291 Date: 3/8/26 Location: Cullompton, highbanks, Devon. W3W ///relocated.waters.request 2 walkers, no dog Single cow, ? Charolais Report: “We were walking along the opposite side of the field next to the bushes, the cows were down by the river. They had moved around a bit, but they weren’t near us and we weren’t near […]
Boisterous cattle on the Cotswold Way stop walkers following the path.
Incident number: 1290Date: 2/8/26Site: On the Cotswold Way public footpath at Sands Farm (between Dyrham and Pennsylvania/ (Cold Ashton) just before where the Cotswold Way crosses Gorse Lane. The very approximate coordinates are 51.468770,-2.378849.Type of cow: Boisterous group of young cattle.2 walkers, no dog. Report: “At approximately 12:00 noon, Sunday 2nd August 2026, my mother […]
Cows with calves across major walking route
Incident number 1287Date: 26.07.26Site: Winnats Pass loop trail2 walkers and dog (on lead) Report: “The cows were stood next to the gate we needed to get through, as my friend and her dog carefully passed them to get through the gate a cow turned to her and began walking fast towards her, it’s head was […]
Category Archives: 08 Dorset
83. Charmouth to Lyme Regis
I have been unwell and am irritated when the walk follows a busy road. Coastal walking? Miles from the sea? Bah humbug. Not a good start.
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82. Cogden Beach to Charmouth
I can see a wide bay with high cliffs and lower land beyond. It is too hazy to make out details but I think Lyme Regis lie behind the largest promontory. And is that Exmouth in the far distance? I wonder how difficult the walk is going to be.
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81. East Fleet to Cogden Beach
From the shore I can see across to Chesil Beach. The tide is high and Fleet lagoon is full of water. On the shingle bank I can see fishing huts and the checkpoint for the firing range. Is that a red flag flying?
80. Chesil Beach to Fleet
The car in front has a sticker in the rear window that reads “Keep Portland weird”. I do hope the upcoming Olympics leaves this strange little area of Dorset with its character unspoilt. I am walking north west, alongside the incredible Chesil Beach. Continue reading
79 Portland Bill and Chesil Beach
The highlight of the walk is the spectacular view. Ahead is the mighty sweeping curve of Chesil Beach. Ten miles of shingle bank, the distant end lost in the blue haze of the horizon.
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78. Weymouth to Portland
Portland: I end up in a stony wasteland. There are old fortifications, ruins, a rock strewn landscape, quarry workings and a brooding bulk of a young offenders institute in the distance.
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77. Lulworth Cove to Weymouth
I start walking from beautiful Lulworth Cove. I see a sinister wreck and some amazing fossils. Dogs growl at me and I pass by a hang glider in distress. Continue reading
76. Tyneham to Lulworth Cove
Today I have a homemade walking pole. I reach a section where the cliff has crumbled away. Exposed below are ledges with strange rock formations. I realise I have reached the famous Fossil Forest. Continue reading
75. Chapman’s Pool to Tyneham
Across crumbling clifs, above wild beaches and deserted coves, the path roller-coasters along.. and is graded as challenging. Am I up to it?
74. Durlston Head to Chapman’s Pool
For some reason, I am feeling anxious about the walk today. I am unfit. Everyone has told me how rugged and difficult this section of the South West Coast Path is. Will I survive? Continue reading
Ruth's Coastal Walk (UK) 