After I updated the blog yesterday afternoon, I caught a bus into Weymouth, where I met up with Steve & Anna. They have decided to hang around for a couple of days, so that they can walk through Lulworth Ranges on Saturday. I had originally intended to do that, but now just can’t face killing time, so I am just pushing on regardless. So last night, was the final chance to meet up with them.
Then whilst sat in a back street pub, Anna suddenly shouted “That’s Peter” pointing out of the window. Sure enough, Peter from Germany who started the same day as me and whom I haven’t seen since Hartland Quay, was walking past. We both ran out and probably startled the poor man! He came inside and joined us for a meal and few beers. It was great to catch up again and finding him like that just made it a special evening!
Despite the (relatively) late night, I was up at 6:30 and left camp at 8:30.
I joined the path after walking through a few housing estates. It followed an old railway line. However, either I wasn’t paying attention or there were no signs, because I ended up walking in the wrong direction for quite a while. It meant that I missed walking the part of the path that goes around the ‘Nothe’, but as I’ve been there before, I wasn’t too upset!
The harbour as I crossed the bridge was looking very scenic.
Pretty soon, I reached the promenade which looked stunning without the crowds on the beach!
It was quite a long walk along the prom until I reached Bowleaze, where I climbed up off the beach.
There then followed a few more minor hills before I reached Osmington Mills. The coast path goes straight to the front door of the Smugglers Inn, which was opened up for business as I approached, as if they knew I was coming! I stopped for lunch there!
After the refreshments it was down to the real hard work for the day. There was a bit more gentle walking before the first stiff climb up to White Nothe. After that, the ‘rollercoasters’ started on the approach to Durdle Door.
I didn’t enjoy the descents, because it’s hard work trying to stop the weight/momentum of a heavy pack pushing you uncontrolled down the hill! As a sign of my fitness improvement, I quite enjoyed the climbs uphill!
A quick stop to take the ubiquitous photo of Durdle Door
Then overtake all the day trippers up the hill to the car park!
After that, there was one more steep ascent & descent to Lulworth Cove.
I treated myself to an ice cream, in reward for powering up all those hills!
I am staying in The Castle Inn at West Lulworth this evening. I managed to get a deal on the room ( but it was still a bit pricey, for what it is).
That’s another 15 miles chalked off, quite literally in the case of my boots, which are white from the chalk dust!
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