Best bits: gorgeous scenery, Clavell Tower, evening meal
Worst bits: walking into the wind
Distance: 20.4 miles
Viv and I left Claire’s house early this morning to find a parking spot for Priscilla midway between my start and end point for today. We found a snug lay-by near Wareham which did the trick.
Viv took me back to Lulworth Cove to start my walk across the Lulworth firing range. Fortunately it was closed today! It’s amazing what you come across on this type of terrain!
It was sunny but very windy today and I struggled to keep my hat on and had to resort to putting my hood up on my jacket. I met up with Viv and Frank at Tyneham which was evacuated in December 1943 during WWII and has been deserted ever since. The area was needed for military training but after the war ended, the villagers were not allowed to return.
Fortunately for us there is a little coffee van which had just opened up for the day and we were first in the queue.
We were back out on the coast path and able to look back at where I had come from. The scenery is so spectacular when the sun is shining.
Just before we got to Kimmeridge we came across the perfect place for a spicy vegetarian sausage roll. We were served by Elaine, formerly from Runcorn.
Viv left me at that point and I walked up the cliffs to Clavell Tower. Which was in danger of falling off the cliff and so was dismantled, resited and rebuilt by the Landmark Trust. It’s now a holiday let.
It warmed up but the wind never died down. Looking back on my progress for the day.
I offered to take photos for Fiona, Olivia and Miranda giving my usual encouragement to go crazy for the shot. We walked together for a while and chatted. Then we parted company as they were going to Kimmeridge and I was going towards Swanage.
Viv and Frank met me again at Worth Mathers.
Who put all these steps here? It was a long walk down and then up the other side of this valley. Can you see the steps in the background?
We popped into the lookout station at St Alban’s head which was formerly the coastguard station. We learned that many of these had been closed down and are now manned by National Coastwatch watchkeepers who are volunteers. Viv and Frank then went back to Worth Mathers and would join me at the end.
After a long drag of undulating terrain and through narrow paths with encroaching gorse bushes in full bloom I saw the Anvil Point lighthouse appear in the distance. It was just poking up above the top of the hill. At this point I also saw Viv and Frank walking to meet me. The end of my walk was not far now!
Shortly after this I was very excited as I got my first view of the Isle of Wight. Another significant geographical point on my journey.
We popped into the cafe at Durlston Country Park for an ice cream. Then off to a pub The Anchor Inn in Swanage for a meal. I had veggie sausages, mash and onion gravy which was delicious.
Back in Priscilla as it was Viv’s last night it was time for her debrief with a glass of wine for encouragement!
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