LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

With two friends we drove to Chapman's Pool and parked in the car park just south of Renscombe Farm near the village of Worth Matravers on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. After the customary photos in the car park we walked across the fields to join the South West Coastal Path (SWCP) on West Hill. From the top of West Hill we had a wonderful view of the cliffs around Chapman's Pool, especially Houns-tout Cliff, the coastline west towards Lulworth Cove and southwards St Aldhelm's Head. With good weather, we had a perfect start to the penultimate day's walking on the SWCP, I could only stare with amazement at the panorama before me. We walked south along the 'Path' to Emmetts Hill where the view of the coastline west opened up even more. Magic. A slow descent down the hill brought us to the edge of a huge gully, with Eustace Beach at the bottom. The enormity of the valley wasn't just the height of descent and ascent but the distance the 'Bottom' travelled inland. I would estimate over half a kilometre. At the bottom of the gully, near the beach is a path going inland, which follows a small stream, where we stopped for a couple of minutes before the puff up the steps towards the Lookout Station on St Aldhelm's Head. At the top we had another 'breather' and stopped to take more photos, but that was a partial excuse. We continued along the plateau on the edge of the cliffs, passing the houses of the lookout and St Aldhelm's Chapel to the interesting artwork on a plinth of rocks. The artwork was a skeleton of the bottom half of a globe. Near the artwork we sat in turn on a ledge of a big rock with an inscription from David. Have a look at the message. It is a good reason to live and enjoy life. How can you not enjoy every minute of life when you delight in the fantastic views along the SWCP? The path took a slow descent from the head eastwards to the disused Winspit Quarry, at the mouth of Winspit Bottom. Here we enjoyed more exploring amongst the rocks, before continuing along the path on the top of the low cliffs, passing East Man, (look for the terracing on East Man) to the disused Seacombe Quarry at the mouth of Seacombe Bottom. Here we again explored the area. My favourite bottom is Scratchy Bottom, near Durdle Door. I was tempted while I was at Scratchy Bottom, but I didn't. We continued further along the cliff edge passing Seacombe Cliff to Dancing Ledge. You've guessed it, we had a quick dance, a cross between the Walz and a Foxtrot. What a sight for sore eyes. More cliff walking to pass Blackers Hole, Belle Vue and a Mile Indicator Post to Anvil Point, before the attractive looking lighthouse. We skirted the lighthouse and descended to the interesting Tilly Whim Caves. There is plenty of exploring possible here. We passed the second Mile Indicator Post on our way to Durlston Head & the Globe. Was that a mile, who knows! We climbed the many broad steps for a closer look. Worth the climb to see the huge round Globe in stone, surrounded with a small metal fence and a doorway in the side. The Globe had sculpture markings on the stone showing the positioning of the continents and longitude and latitude lines around to enhance the beauty of the work. We walked back down the steps to the path to take us around Durlston Head and Durlston Head Castle. There is even more exploring possible here. We continued along the huge cliff around Durlston Bay. There was a short walk through the district of Durlston, before entering their local park to Peveril Point with its Lookout Station and Lifeboat. From the point we walked on the north side of the park to the Swanage Harbour & Pier, where we watched the newly caught fish going ashore. Just a short walk along the promenade we came across a mural showing a large hole in a wall, with a derelict room inside the building. Very impressive, not graffiti but a work of art. I hope it doesn't get spoilt. We continued along the promenade watching the holiday makers enjoying the sunshine, until we came to our accommodation. After a cup of tea we drove back to Chapman's Pool car park to collect the other car. Magic day enjoyed by all, with lots to see and do. Super duper.