Thursday, 14 July 2005
Coastwalk , South West Coast Path
Abbotsbury → Chiswell
Distance: 14.2 miles
Ascent: 367 metres
Duration: 6 hours 6 minutes
Avoiding the beach
« West Bay | Castletown »
For seventeen miles the high shingle bank of Chesil Beach runs from near Abbotsbury to Chiswell, its pebbles linking the island of Portland to the mainland. So rather than describe a relentless plod along the beach we made our way along the landward side of the Fleet lagoon.
(We have other excuses for not walking the beach: we wanted to avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds; we suspected one section of the beach to be closed due to activity on the Chickerell rifle range; we were worried about being robbed by pirates; we're just plain lazy. Take your pick.)
In the end it wasn't the rifle range that forced us to detour yet further inland. A short distance after Chickerell Hive Point a cow had just given birth beside the gate where we were to enter her field. The detour added a mile or so but seemed the best choice for all.
It's been another baking day and by the time we reached the causeway linking Wyke Regis to Portland we were exhausted. Walkers following in our steps should know there's a taxi office in the first buildings on the island on the left. They weren't surprised about where we wanted a lift to. Especially since the alternative was turning right and walking back along the beach.
Website
Bad news
I've just been told the Youth Hostel we're staying in has a wireless network. I'm determined to stick to my self-imposed 'read no email' rule during the week, but this makes it harder. On the other hand, I'm able to get website updates out more regularly now.