The South West Coastal Path Chronicles: Lyme Regis to West Bay

Date: 18th July 2021

Distance: 10.71 miles
Time: 4:37:02
Ascent: 2498 feet

Total SWCP so far: 579.98 miles

Route

Progress

Profile

Martin and Marina's Bit

Someone who shall remain nameless (Lesley) suggested we get up early to avoid the high temperatures that had been forecast for this day (in the low thirties).

Someone who shall remain nameless (Martin) got up at 3:00 and woke "the team" at 04:30. Not that "team" is any way to describe us at that time of day.

So we were up with the lark. Literally. And walking by 6:30. And it was so worth it! Much cooler, very few people, more wildlife, incredible light. Aside from the traumatic start to the day, walking early was a big hit.

Fairly early in the walk though, we found that the path and the road parallel to it was closed due to the cliff collapsing (some years ago we think). So this meant we had to take an inland detour before rejoining the original path a mile or less further on. The detour was well sign-posted though so that made it easy.

The views got better and better as we walked this part of the path but the real stars were the multitude of wildflowers in the meadows all along the way and the buzzy (sic) pollinators they attract. Incredible.

Derek and Lesley's Bit

A hot day is forecast so we make an early start, the "knocker upper" (Martin) wakes us up at 04.30.

We arrive at the starting point & are walking by 06.30 nice and cool to start a steep uphill section through some woods onto a golf course where the deer are still grazing.

It soon heats up as we stride along the cliff path enjoying the flora & fauna.

Ending on a lovely down hill into west bay.