Tag Archives: coast

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?

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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73. Swanage to Durlston Head

The wooded path leading to Durlston Head is endearingly called “Isle of Wight Road”. It is Sunday and, although still January, there are lots of people walking here today. I wonder if the rest of the South West Coastal Path will be as busy as this.

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71. Bournemouth to Sandbanks

Dark clouds are lit from below – a dirty orange colour, their undersides outlined with yellow and gold. Clear sky, of deep blue – almost indigo. The sea is covered with swatches of gold and silver on a backdrop of deep blue-green, speckled with white foam Continue reading

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70. Christchurch to Bournemouth

Autumnal colours glow warmly in the sunshine – contrasting with bright blue sea below and jolly colours of beach huts. I feel almost overwhelmed with beauty and stop constantly to take photographs. It turns out to be one of the hottest September days in England, ever.
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