Hello all
The view of Portland from the Dorset Ridgeway and a conversation that I had with a chap I met on the ridgeway had given me mixed feelings about what to expect from the walk around the island.
What I did know was that I was looking forward to walking with Jennie and our friends Anna and Terry (they bought me the jelly babies).
What we discovered was a day of two halves. The start of the walk prior to lunch was enjoyable and took in the western side of the island. After a steep climb up from Castletown with the views back along Chesil beach came the discovery of some stone carvings in one of the many disused quarries that are a feature of the island.
Following the initial climb it is a slow descent all the way to Portland Bill and the Lobster Pot cafe. Eating in cafes is not something that I would normally do half way through a walk, but today was one of the welcome exceptions. I had a ploughman's lunch followed by an apple and plum tart and ice cream with a pot of tea for one. Anna, Terry and Jennie had similar amounts of food with the exception of Jennie who did not have a pudding.
Three of us left the Lobster Pot feeling stuffed to the gunnels.
What followed was a hot and difficult afternoon of walking carrying far too much in our bellies.
I have to confess that I did not enjoy my afternoon of walking and was relieved when we arrived back at the car. I think we all agreed that the walk was far from one of our favourites and we have walked together many times.
We went back to the campsite for an ice-cream and a welcome shower before heading off to the pub for more food. I had calamari followed by a turkey and mushroom curry.
When it comes to eating, I think we excelled ourselves.
It was great to see Anna and Terry and thanks to them for coming all the way to share this walk with me and Jennie.
Osmington Mills to Lulworth Cove
I have walked this stretch before about 5 years ago, I loved it then and I was really looking forward to it this time. It promised to be a hot day so I loaded up my rucksack with extra water and slapped on the factor 30. If you like walks with lots of climbs and descents then this would be a great walk for you. What follows are a few photos which may show the lie of the land.
If I have had stronger leg muscles than I have now, then I can't remember when that was. I actually enjoyed myself as I push on up the steep inclines. Coming down is another matter, but I'm used to the pain in my knees, shins, feet and corn by now.
I noticed that I was walking quite slowly today and when I stopped to eat my lunch I gave it some thought. It dawned on me that I did not want the walk to end. I strongly suspect that I will feel the same way about the next - and last - two days of my walk around the South West Coast Path.
As for my lunch - this is where I had it:
I was sitting right out as far as I could go on the sticking out bit that you can see in the picture. If you look very closely you will see someone standing very close to where I was sitting about 15 minutes earlier, but I had the place to myself. As I sat there and looked towards Durdle Door and marvelled at the beautiful scenery, I felt a strong feeling of satisfaction at my achievement and gave myself an imaginary pat on the back.
"Well done Rob".
Durdle Door is a wonderful place. That is why so many people flock to it. I took a few photos and got out of there as fast as I could go. There are times when it is more quiet, but today wasn't one of them and the same was the case with Lulworth Cove.
As I traveled along the cliff tops of this walk, I could regularly hear the thump of artillery shells and machine gun fire. Also away in the distance plumes of smoke were rising from the Lulworth Ranges. It was strangely unpleasant to imagine (because that is all I can do) the warfare that these exercises are preparing for and I thanked my lucky stars that I have lived in a time when I and my children have not been called upon to fight.
On a lighter note - at the beginning of this day's walk I stopped at kiosk and had a cup of instant coffee (that is all they sold) and two Moores Dorset biscuits. What a treat!
The view of Portland from the Dorset Ridgeway and a conversation that I had with a chap I met on the ridgeway had given me mixed feelings about what to expect from the walk around the island.
What I did know was that I was looking forward to walking with Jennie and our friends Anna and Terry (they bought me the jelly babies).
What we discovered was a day of two halves. The start of the walk prior to lunch was enjoyable and took in the western side of the island. After a steep climb up from Castletown with the views back along Chesil beach came the discovery of some stone carvings in one of the many disused quarries that are a feature of the island.
Following the initial climb it is a slow descent all the way to Portland Bill and the Lobster Pot cafe. Eating in cafes is not something that I would normally do half way through a walk, but today was one of the welcome exceptions. I had a ploughman's lunch followed by an apple and plum tart and ice cream with a pot of tea for one. Anna, Terry and Jennie had similar amounts of food with the exception of Jennie who did not have a pudding.
Three of us left the Lobster Pot feeling stuffed to the gunnels.
What followed was a hot and difficult afternoon of walking carrying far too much in our bellies.
I have to confess that I did not enjoy my afternoon of walking and was relieved when we arrived back at the car. I think we all agreed that the walk was far from one of our favourites and we have walked together many times.
We went back to the campsite for an ice-cream and a welcome shower before heading off to the pub for more food. I had calamari followed by a turkey and mushroom curry.
When it comes to eating, I think we excelled ourselves.
It was great to see Anna and Terry and thanks to them for coming all the way to share this walk with me and Jennie.
 |
| What intrepid walkers! |
I have walked this stretch before about 5 years ago, I loved it then and I was really looking forward to it this time. It promised to be a hot day so I loaded up my rucksack with extra water and slapped on the factor 30. If you like walks with lots of climbs and descents then this would be a great walk for you. What follows are a few photos which may show the lie of the land.
If I have had stronger leg muscles than I have now, then I can't remember when that was. I actually enjoyed myself as I push on up the steep inclines. Coming down is another matter, but I'm used to the pain in my knees, shins, feet and corn by now.
I noticed that I was walking quite slowly today and when I stopped to eat my lunch I gave it some thought. It dawned on me that I did not want the walk to end. I strongly suspect that I will feel the same way about the next - and last - two days of my walk around the South West Coast Path.
As for my lunch - this is where I had it:
"Well done Rob".
 |
| How about that for a view. |
As I traveled along the cliff tops of this walk, I could regularly hear the thump of artillery shells and machine gun fire. Also away in the distance plumes of smoke were rising from the Lulworth Ranges. It was strangely unpleasant to imagine (because that is all I can do) the warfare that these exercises are preparing for and I thanked my lucky stars that I have lived in a time when I and my children have not been called upon to fight.
On a lighter note - at the beginning of this day's walk I stopped at kiosk and had a cup of instant coffee (that is all they sold) and two Moores Dorset biscuits. What a treat!
___________________________
So, now I just have just 28 miles to walk over two days.
The next blog that I write will be from my home.
Take it easy.
Rob.
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