LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

South West Coastal Path No: 78              Total: 627 miles

Time Taken:     Cycle:      Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:  
   4.5 hours                n/a      7 miles         90%             Very Windy
Wildlife: Rabbits and Shags

Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Conditions:     
  21oC       50%       0%      Good         Excellent Underfoot           

Points of Interest:
Lulworth            	Stair Hole           Mugglers Cave
Mupe Bay      		Bindon Hill         Arish Mell  
Tyneham Cap          Long Ebb          Kimmeridge

General:
Started from Lulworth Cove car park (£4 for 4 hrs) and walked into the
 village centre before turning right towards the sea at Stair Hole, where
 the different rocks and their formations could easily be seen. Back
 inland to the shoreline of the cove, where the road from the village
 reaches the sea. I looked for the continuation of the coastal path and
 soon noticed the 'Path closed' signs at the top of steps from the road
 at the shoreline. After discussions with the locals I decided to follow
 the shoreline around the cove. As I almost reached the opposite side
 a sunbathers dog gave me a fright when it ran over to me showing its
 teeth. Its owner retrieved it saying it wouldn't  hurt me! Steep exit from
 the shoreline to the ridge top with good views of Lulworth and its cove.
 Fossil forest sign on top  showing direction to explore for fossils, but
 unfortunately I had to continue along the ridge, soon reached the gate
 in the fence line of the Lulworth military range. The gate and range
 were open so no  worries, but it is always anxious knowing if you have
 done your  homework correctly. Ring the automated system on
 01929 404819 to  check the range is open for public walking on the
 footpaths. The open times are on the gate noticeboard, but its alot of
 effort just to check.  Easy walk along the ridge past Mugglers Cave
 to the lookout at Mupe Rock. Excellent views of rocks and mupe
 ledges, with a wonderful backdrop of Rings Hill & Gold Down. Short
 walk around Mupe Bay with its picnic tables to the steep ascent of
 Bindon Hill followed two ladies up the hill but when I puffed my way
 to the top they had moved on. Steady descent down the Bindon Hill
 to Arish Mell, due to erosion the coastal path has been moved to the
 land side of the fence for safety reason. Numerous red sign warned
 the walkers not to trespass away from the footpath. This must be
 tempting for some younger walkers when old wrecked military
 equipment can easily be seen scattered around the range. Don't
 be tempted to explore, enjoy  the wonderful coastal views instead
 from the footpath. Very steep final section of descent to Arish Mell
but no access to beach due to unknown works. The military do not
 have to sign what they are doing on their own land. Passed the
 ladies while they were sat at a picnic table at Arish Mell, but they
 soon passed me while I sat puffing half way up Rings Hill. Met them
 again at the summit and we starting chatting about the coastal path.
 They were completing the walk in eleven years, so they were
 pleased to discover I was taking over 15 years. We all agreed that
 Lands End was the best section of the walk from Minehead. Also
 at the top was an artist with his paints and easel, painting the
 coastline towards Weymouth . However, very strangely, the painting
 looked excellent but it was at 90oC to the horizon.   No time to
 climb the Tout Tower so I passed the beach and immediately
 started climbing Gold Down. More excellent views back across
 Barrow Bay while I was sitting and puffing at various stages on the
 ascent. Good views of Gad Cliff but extreme care required
 because cliff erosion was and is very prominent in the area. Good
 steady climb to summit of Tyneham Cap. Look back often for the
 view of the protruding rock of Gad Cliff. If the coastal path is being
 followed and there is no desire to climb to the top of  Tyneham
 Cap, take the clear path to the right before the summit which skirts
 around the cap. The zig zags down to the cliff edge again, on
 Brandy Bay. A relatively easy walking from Long Ebb, around Broad
 Bench to fence at boundary of Lulworth military range. Always good
 to see that the gate is not locked. Just pasted gate to oil well with
 nodding donkey ' working well, and producing oil since 1959. Short
 walk along the low dark cliffs of the bay to the car park where i was
 delighted to say, Ann was waiting with the car. Well worth the effort.
 Ann explained that she had talked to the sisters asking about me,
 they said there was an old man walking the path. The sisters were
 approx ten mins in front of me. I wonder when and if they completed
 the walk. I wish I had plucked up the courage to ask them for their
 email. I will never know for sure.
What a magic, but exhausting day.