LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

South West Coastal Path No: 71             Total: 579 miles

Time Taken:     Cycle:     Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:  
 4 hours             n/a          10 miles           85%        Windy at Times
Nature: Blackberries & Pheasants

 Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Ground Conditions:  
  16oC      100%        80%        Misty            Good

General:
Bus X53 to West Bay the start of the walk. From the George 
Hotel I walked around the east side of the harbour, past the 
Bedford Arms Hotel to the beach. Across the stony beach to 
the base of West Cliff. Steep climb to the top of West Cliff 
where the slight drizzle changed to heavy stormy rain. 
Fortunately the rain didn't last too long, but long enough to 
get soaked. The rain continued on and off at various intensity 
throughout the walk. After the descents and an ascent, I 
reached the caravan site at Burton Freshwater. Another 
stony beach. I walked along the side of the caravan site to the 
river Bride looking for a bridge to cross the Burton Cliff. After 
a couple of fields I crossed the first bridge to the coastal path 
finger post. More rain and a steady ascent to Burton beach 
with more stones which are difficult to walk over. Soon realised 
that I had to be efficient with my walking to reach Abbotsbury 
in time to catch the bus at 4pm. Unfortunately when I reached 
Burton Mere and the coastal path finger post pointed to the 
inland side of the Mere I chose to continue along the side of the 
beach because the route to the inland was not visible and obvious, 
a mistake! The path by the side of the beach became more difficult 
and very slow. At the first opportunity after the Mere I moved 
inland to a good path along the edge of the fields. Unfortunately 
again this path finished and I have to continue to follow the coastal 
path along the edge of the beach. After enjoying looking along the 
main street of the pretty village of West Bexington from the beach. 
I followed a lady walking a dog along the track, and as I approached 
the dog turned and barked and growled at me. The lady said 'don't 
worry he won't hurt you'. As the dog rushed towards me he pulled 
the lady over. She had difficulty getting up so I helped her and she 
was alright, the dog was harmless. Onwards along the rough track 
with passing places past lots of blackberry bushes. All the passable 
walking places are blocked off with huge stones. Gradually the 
track improves as I approached the car park. I climbed a gate to a 
'no access' sign, so I reluctantly returned to the beach and walked 
along the stony beach to a path which peeled off to the left inland. 
A coastal path milestone stating a mile to Abbotsbury reassured 
me that I had made the correct decision to return to the stony beach. 
A conventional stroll along the lane to a finger post where the 
coastal path crossed a stile into the field, circumnavigating St 
Catherine's Chapel. I walked into Abbotsbury. My persistent at 
walking efficiently over the beaches and only short stops for 
refreshments, had paid off, I have ten minutes to spare. At the main 
road I chose to turn right, luckily I soon found the bus to end the walk. 
A satisfying and unusual walk, much enjoyed despite the poor 
weather. I hope the weather will be better when I revisit the path.