Coast to Coast
(Bristol Channel to English Channel)
2005 Walk Uphill to Old Harry
With thanks to John Gillham and Ronald Turnbull for their book "coast to coasting" for the route
Friday May 27
Burton to Brent Knoll
With all equipment loaded into 3 cars and a trailer we all set of at about the same time with the object of meeting up at the campsite at Dulhorn Farm, Brent Knoll.
Our car took me, Dad, Richard and enroute picked up Martin.
It was more comfortable travelling by car although we didn’t have so far to travel as last year but the weather was a scorcher..
However, north of Bristol we ran into a queue of traffic that was caused by sheer volume of traffic – this was the start of a Bank Holiday Weekend!
Clearing this we soon reached the campsite but had to wait about an hour for the others to arrive.
With the tents set up we travelled into Weston and found a seafront fish and chip shop and sat in the glorious evening sunshine enjoying the freshly cooked food.
We then returned to camp and after a walk to a pub and back settled down for the night to be ready to start in the morning.
Saturday May 28
Uphill to Cheddar – 15 miles
The walk started with a pleasant stroll along by the sea although this was soon left behind as we headed inland following the West Mendip Way to Bleadon and then up and over to Loxton to cross the M5 that was even more congested than the day before. The weather wasn’t as good as yesterday but that was better for walking.
With a break for lunch at the foot of Crook Peak, we then made our way up and onto the splendid ridge and Barton Hill. Across the top of Wavering Down and downhill to cross theA38 and following Wintcombe Drove to bring us to a Cider and Cheese Farm at Lilypool where the sun came out came out in full. Here we paused for refreshment of cider, cheesecake and cream tea.
From here we left the West Mendip Way to head south through Cheddar Wood to come into Cheddar itself, following the old railway line and a few streets to bring us to the Youth Hostel.
Dinner had been booked at the Hostel and after me, Dad Lawrence and Colin headed back to collect the two cars from Brent Knoll and move them to Wells. Colin then brought us back to Cheddar and we went to bed , I slept at the bottom of a bunk bed.
Tuesday 31 May
South Cadbury to Cerne Abbas – 19 miles
With the weather still holding we started from South Cadbury on a route shared by the Monarchs Way and the McMillan Way. This brought us over the Corton Ridge with superb views west as far as Brent Knoll where we had started. At Staffords Green we followed the McMillan Way and into the lovely town of Sherbourne.
We left here going up Gainsborough Hill following Green Lane and a minor road to Wizard Bridge. From here on paths and roads we reached Hermitage where Colin was called up to collect me, Lawrence and Dad to take us back to Sparkford and move the cars to Cerne Abbas. The others carried onto Cerne Abbas via East Hill and Up Cerne to meet us at the New Inn in Cerne Abbas itself.
The wonderful weather we had been enjoying changed overnight and we woke up to a damp morning.
Thursday June 2
Osmington to Lulworth Cove – 7 miles
Breakfast was most welcome before hitting the South West Coastal Footpath proper. This had been deliberately made into a short mileage day as our only experience of this path was the Cornish section. As it turned out, this was softer and gentler with only a couple of really steep ups and downs.
The weather was dry and visibility improved as the day progressed which gave us some stunning views of the coastline, together with Durdle Door and the descent into Lulworth.
Colin ferried us back to Osmington and an evening in the smugglers inn.
Friday June 3
Lulworth Cove to Corfe Castle – 9 miles
After another cooked breakfast, we were ferried in to Lulworth to pick up the path up onto Bindon Hilll and the MoD Tank Range that was open for walking provided we stayed within the yellow topped posts. A mist was blowing off the sea and views weren’t that great although as we dropped into Arish Mell it cleared briefly to give us a glimpse of the continuing impressive coastline.
Up from Arish Mell and back into mist which then turned to rain meant a long walk in the open down to Corfe Castle. Lunch had to be taken under the shelter of a sparse area of trees before arriving at the campsite, slightly if not very damp.
The cars still had to be fetched from Osmington but the lucky ones stayed behind in The Greyhound in Corfe.
Colin, Lawrence and Dad joined us later for an excellent meal before returning to the campsite and retiring for the night.
Saturday June 4
Corfe Castle to Swanage via Old Harry Rocks – 11 miles
Morning saw the sun rising again to give us a great last day of walking, a just reward for the weeks efforts.
Climbing directly out of Corfe Castle to Challow Hill put us onto the Purbeck Way and apart from the dip at Round Down gave us a splendid ridge walk with Corfe Castle behind us, the Isle of Purbeck, the steam Railway and Swanage on our right, Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Bay on our left and straight in front, the Isle of Wight.
This lead directly to Old Harry and the impressive chalk stacks before retracing our footsteps to pick up the South West Coastal Footpath and the descent into Swanage and a rewarding cream tea on the seafront.
Colin again ferried us back to camp where an end of walk celebratory meal was prepared by those two galloping gourmets, Lawrence and Dick.
Colin and Lawrence participated in a campsite football match before chilling out with the rest of us on wine and Grolsch.
Last night under canvas before the journey home.
The Team
Colin – our driver
Dick
Joannie
Lawrence
Martin
Neil
Richard – our superb navigator
Shane
Stigs – our photographer for more pics
Thanks to
Once again to Delichon for the superb buggy
Maurean & Tony at North Wootton for their help