Day 51 West Lulworth to Steeple Leaze Farm

 I had a relaxing stay in the Castle Inn West Lulworth. It’s certainly not cheap ( I got a last minute deal) but they went the extra mile with their thoughtful touches. 


After a hearty breakfast, I set off on the official Lulworth Range Diversion Route. Almost immediately, there was a stiff climb out of the village, that gave you views looking back towards Portland. 



The next bit was quite nice as the path took you through rolling grasslands, similar in look to the Downs of Wiltshire, where I live. 



After a while, however, there was an awful lot of road walking to be done, with nothing to see but high hedges. It was tough on the feet and uninspiring on the eyes. It seemed to go on forever! 



Eventually, I reached the point where you climb back up the ridge of the Purbeck Hills. Whilst this was still road walking, it at least gave you something to look at! 



When I reached the top, some enterprising sole, had created a pop up cafe. I wasn’t particularly hungry, having not long eaten my packed lunch, but I did buy a few bottles of beer! 



I walked down the hill from the cafe to Steeple Leaze Farm Campsite. It’s what can best be described as ‘rustic’ but they do have showers and toilets! 



As I write this, all I can hear is the constant sound of heavy machinegun fire coming from the ranges. Hopefully the Army will pack up soon and go down the pub! Not that there is one, nearby! 


I have walked another 13 miles today. Annoyingly, most of them were ‘wrong direction’ miles, because the actual path length I’ve had to miss out through the ranges, is only about 7 miles in length! 


By my reckoning, I’ve got another 23 miles to go before I finish this path. Tomorrow, I shall walk to Swanage. 



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