Somewhere different again today and what turned out to be a very long day and quite a short walk! Beside water again but this time the sea.
An early start at Millets – 07.00 but then the van wouldn’t start – 3 of us walking today plus Steve. The alternative vehicle – the jeep which we could all fit in was in Wallingford. We eventually set off from there nearer 8 am and reached our parking spot to the east of Weymouth at about 10.45. We parked at the top of the hill above Ringstead Bay – a very sharp wind greeted us and I put on a snood/ hat/ head band which Alex had kindly bought me at Christmas. I hate wearing hats when walking but this round my head was very useful. From our starting point we could see over the sea to Portland Bill.
We set off walking away from Weymouth and turned south in order to join the coastal path, after just a short distance we cut down a small path through a dune like area on a small steep path to reach the beach and we continued on our route until at the end of this accessible beach we climbed up to meet the coast path again.
A few slurries of sleety snow during the next section so head band still on! Then as hedges increased a little more shelter and protection from the wind. There are several springs in the hills to our right/ above us and the resulting streams need to be crossed. At a footbridge we see not only a way marker which indicates the coastal footpath but also a grid reference – something I had not seen before, we went on to notice these on several posts throughout the rest of our walk. We are now approaching the Sandy stretch before Osmington Mill – stopping for coffee at the pub has been suggested!
After a short interlude and some sunshine we set off along a road through the village before we turned left back onto a more typical coastal path. After about half a kilometre we walked alongside one of the perimeter fences of Osmington PGL site and we could spot the typical structures of problem solving activities and high wire including a Jacob’s ladder- something I never mastered. We continue along this grassy stretch, with some blue sky and some heat from the sun.
Nearing 13.30 I put in a bid for lunch, please! Our view point was good and the sun very warming as we sat on a gentle slope above the path looking out to sea. Portland Bill was getting closer so, so was Weymouth! Along another stretch and we were able to see a distinct ledge that protruded from the water. Rediffe point sticks out into the sea beyond this stretch.
We soon come to Bowleaze Bay, the holiday park, the smell of fast food and suddenly many more people. We have met other walkers on our way but nothing like this. We are walking across a beach again and then after a while we come up onto the path beside the sea. We have some respite before we reach the town as we walk next to the Nature Reserve. On the edge of the town beach huts are being painted all in the same blue, the ornate lamp posts also look fresh with the same colour. A real effort is being made to give a good impression as the footpath beside the road turns into much more of a promenade. The large sweeping bay of Weymouth is now next to us.
The advertised plan was to get some refreshment at a pub on the far side of the bay but an issue with parking meant we met our transport before we had time to walk around the bay.
This had been a very pleasant walk and the sun did shine and on several occasions was quite warm but it did seem rather short at about 7 miles. I had thought we were going from Durdle Door or Lulworth.
A rather torturous journey home, being stuck due to a nasty lorry accident and needing to pick up Maddie’s car from Wallingford, meant that it was well over four hours later that we arrived back at Millets!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 