SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH – around Worth Matravers in Dorest 6 miles

A small section of the coastal path which encircles the UK is the South West Coastal Path.  Part runs from just south of the hamlet of Worth Matravers close to Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck.

A delightful section of the Dorset Coastal path.

A delightful section of the Dorset Coastal path.

A circular walk of about 6 miles, leave the car park ( BH19 3LE ) just above Worth Matravers and walk down past the Square and Compasses public house and the pond.  From there after passing a row of cottages, continue though a gate and along a path through a field, to join an uneven track of smooth flints, which winds down to the coastal path. The walk is over Limestone cliffs, bordered by chalk grassland.

Stone was excavated from a quarry, waiting to be explored. A large 'cave ' has been created and can be explored.

Stone was excavated from a Winspit  Quarry, waiting to be explored. A large ‘cave ‘ has been created and can be explored.

At the point where the path splits east towards Swanage or west to St Albans Head with it’s coastguard station,are the remains of Winspit stone quarry.  This is popular with climbers and has it’s possible to explore inside the rock face.

Opportunities to develop rock climbing skills.

Opportunities to acquire or develop rock climbing skills.

A few yards north of the quarry, you would have noticed a flight of steps ( with quite large stones ) leading up to the path along this beautiful coastline winding westwards.

For the most part the path is easily navigable and slightly inland of the cliff edge. Some sections have been moved further away from the cliff edge due to erosion. In spring and summer the route is lined with tall grasses and colourful wild flowers.

Spectacular views over the bays towards Lulworth.

Spectacular views over the English Channel.

Care should be taken not to stumble on short pieces of iron fence post projecting from the path, usually right in it’s centre.  On fine days a succession of walkers coming the opposite way, lends the opportunity to exchange greetings as you pass on the narrow path.

Peace and tranquillity on a hot June day, broken only by the sound of Skylarks and the sea below.

Peace and tranquillity on a hot June day, broken only by the sound of Skylarks and the sea below.

Most of the route to St Albans Heads undulates gently, but s few sections are steeper and care should be taken where the surface is loose and slippery – particularly when descending.

Unrestricted views towards Lulworth with it's cove and steep climb westwards out of the village.

Unrestricted views towards Lulworth with it’s cove and steep climb westwards.

A good place to pause for refreshments and to get you breath back, is just below the Coastguard station, manned by volunteers. Nearby is a row of white coastguard cottages and an ancient chapel.

A rare seat is located in a prime position on the approach to Chapman's Pool.

A welcome seat is located in a prime position on the approach to Chapman’s Pool.

Not for the feint hearted of those who find difficulty navigating steps, steep flights of steps lead down to and away from Chapmans Pool.

The Coastguard Station at St. Albans Head

The Coastguard Station at St. Albans Head

 

Steep flights of steps lead down to Chapman' Pool.

Steep flights of steps lead down to Chapmans Pool and up the other side

For those returning to Worth Matravers, about 3 miles along a wide chalk path, pause a while in the 800 year old St. Adhelm’s Chapel.

The cross on the altar of St Albans Chapel, Worth Mataravers.

The cross on the altar of St Adhelm’s Chapel, Worth Mataravers.

 

St Alban Chapel has stood her for 800 years.

St Adhelm’s Chapel has stood here for 800 years.

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Dorset Coastal Path

Dorset Coastal Path

The return to Worth Matravers, is ideal for a chat with your companions.

The long road home.

The long road home.

A working quarry adds interest to the return journey

A working quarry adds interest to the return journey

Worth Matravers.

Worth Matravers.

Whilst 6 miles is not too long for most walkers, I found the last mile was definitely the longest.  Entering the village, passing the church and up past the Square and Compasses was the cruellest and it was a great relief to kick my boots off, once back to the car.  The views, peace and tranquillity is well worth the effort !

NB : The route, with a diversion to view Chapman’s Pool and return to the coastguard    station was measured on GPS as 6.03 miles.

Words and pictures : Tony Knight photography and MEDIA

 

 

 

MUDEFORD AND AVON BEACH ON DORSET’S ” GOLD COAST “

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What has turned the sleepy Dorset coastline into it’s ‘ Golden Coast ‘ ?

Mudeford and the Avon Beach just over the Hampshire border, the county of which it was once a part, is not quite what it at first might seem.

Situated at the entrance of Christchurch Harbour, with small craft weaving through the narrow channel, against the tide, it is peaceful, sedate almost, with the air of a small fishing harbour popular with visitors, seeking a stroll, fresh air without the burden of the exclusivity and millionaire reputation of Bournemouth or Sandbanks. Whilst it is comfortable, retirement country, stretching from Highcliffe in the east, it’s change in fortunes is often overlooked.

The entrance to Christchurch Harbour.

The entrance to Christchurch Harbour.

It’s a great place to walk along the strand from Highcliffe the 1.80 miles to the facilities at Avon Beach, with it’s now rather more upmarket ‘ Noisy Lobster ‘ restaurant, fish and chip, coffee, shop and toilets ideally situated to suit all tastes. Whatever the weather, it’s always popular with visitors.

Avon Beach, popular with visitors of all ages.

Avon Beach, popular with visitors of all ages.

I’ve visited Mudeford since I was a child, but have never ventured on the ferry to the other side or walked to Hengisbury Head and have always wondered what the beach hut visitors enjoy about their experience.  At the beginning or end of season, or bracing days – they huddle inside and even around the entrances, clutching hot drinks and reading avidly.

Many of the beach huts have intriguing names as well as numbers.

Many of the beach huts have intriguing names as well as numbers.

Ravaged by the fierce storms a couple of years ago, many beach huts were destroyed and had to be replaced in the coastal protection and regeneration works which followed.  Walking along the promenade, the locked wooden huts have always seemed to me to be an acquired taste. Most are padlocked as you pass by and are painted in various shades of blue, with minimal facilities, on the outside they resemble large garden sheds.  Facing the Isle of Wight, they are beloved by devotees, mainly elderly couples seeking quiet days by the sea.

A walk along the prom and a cuppa perhaps.

A walk along the prom and a cuppa perhaps.

Any thoughts that beach huts are cheap and cheerful, are quickly dispelled, by recent sales, when these mostly basic structures, come up for sale. They are quickly snapped up.  Reached from the Mudeford Quay ferry, or from beyond Hengisbury Head on the Bournemouth side, the beach houses on the other side of water regularly make six figures, the latest example selling for £270,000.  Some have basements, fully fitted interiors, even have toilets and are more of a home from home, with the benefit of very exclusive views right on the beach.

Even basic beach huts achieve five figure sums - easily.

Even basic beach huts achieve five figure sums – easily.

Visible across the water from Mudeford Quay, are the start of the more exclusive standard of properties.

Visible across the water from Mudeford Quay, are the start of the more exclusive standard of properties on Dorset’s ‘ Gold Coast. ‘

Googling ‘ The British seaside holiday ‘ reveals that no longer are these a basic no frills, cheap alternative.  The recent spirit of nostalgia, has elevated these structures into an estate agent’s dream, high on their list of desirable properties, particularly at Frinton-on-Sea; Bournemouth and here at Mudeford and Avon Beach, turning the coastline into part of Dorset’s ‘ Gold Coast. ‘

The popularity of the area is reflected in the car parking charges at Dorset's ' Gold Coast 'in spring / summer.

The popularity of the area is reflected in the car parking charges at Dorset’s ‘ Gold Coast ‘in spring / summer.

NOTE : Car parking is available on Mudeford Quay; Avon Beach ( Free in Winter / early spring. £4.50 for 4 hours upper car park; £5.50 at the beach car park ); and several other locations and at Highcliffe. )

Sailing and Seaguls at Mudeford Quay.

Sailing and Seaguls at Mudeford Quay.

 

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Words and Pictures : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA