Walk 13/2008 – Weekend away at Lulworth Cove, Dorset

Sunday 1st June 2008

Our group was three down on Sunday due to blisters and migraines so 8 of us set off from the hostel to walk west along the coastal path. Our first stop was the beautiful Lulworth Cove itself which at 9.30am on a Sunday morning was a haven of peace and tranquility. Just a group of canoeists setting off and a few dog walkers in evidence

After a brief stop we climbed up to the viewing areas and were rewarded with fine views along the coastline and the cove itself. Another stop for photographs at Stair Hole and then the pull up to the cliff above Durdle Door. It was a steep climb up in the heat but the views at the top of one of the most photographed coastal features in the country make the climb worthwhile. We settled ourselves down for a very long coffee break with everyone relaxed and reluctant to move on. We held a long discussion as to whether we should rename the club the Peterborough Amblers as we had managed to take most of the morning to cover only 3 miles. The truth was it was just too lovely to hurry. Barbara summed up the mood by observing “sometimes it’s just nice to bimble along” and bimble we did!

Two more of our group left us at this point, one to go check on the sick left behind at the hostel and one to sit on the beach! The remaining six of us climbed up one more cliff to Bat Hole Head where we stood and watched a Kestrel hovering along the cliff edge. We then turned inland slightly and began a gentle stroll down the hill heading back to Lulworth. We stopped for lunch on a grassy bank half way down a pasture where we all stretched out on the grass, enjoying the warm sun and the sound of the birds and the sheep. We were disturbed twice by people walking past. The first group sympathized with us about the steep uphill climb and that we had taken a rest. We had to shamefacedly admit we were in fact on the way down the hill! Next came a couple and the man, seeing us all lying flaked out declared “Oh to be 25 again”. As they walked past the woman could be heard berating him “you say that to everyone do you realize that?”!!

A short stroll on brought us back to Lulworth Cove and what a difference. The Sunday afternoon trippers out in force. The car park was full, there were motor bikes revving and people everywhere. No longer a peaceful tranquil haven!

We did indulge in some wonderful Purbeck Ice cream and sat on the beach for a while watching an intriguing scenario unfolding before our eyes. Three people, two males and one female wearing pirate costumes and masks were trying to launch a single canoe and a double inflatable dingy. We concluded in the end that the couple in the dinghy were going out into the bay to get married and the guy in the canoe was the vicar! Certainly the dinghy was named “Beach Union”. We watched until they had launched and set off rowing around the Bay. But we never saw what really happened as it was time to “bimble” back to the Youth Hostel before the drive home.

Report – Angela

Pictures – Alan

Walk rating – good but rather busy

Part of Lulworth Cove.

Stair Hole.

Lulworth Cove.

The view from Hambury Tout.

Overlooking St Oswald’s Bay.

And the distant coastline.

The Durdle Door peninsular.

Durdle Door.

View towards Bat’s Head.

A pause to admire the view.

You can just make out the Bat’s Hole.

Angela’s dream – sailing off into the sunset with a man with a boat!