LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

South West Coastal Path No. 77              Total: 620 miles

Time Taken:     Cycle:      Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:  
   4 hours              n/a         7.5 miles        85%          Windy and West
Wildlife: Skylarks and Bluebells

Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Conditions:     
  18oC        50%        20%       Poor      Extra Care required           

Points of Interest:
Osmington            Redcliff Point       Osmington Mills
Bran Point            Burning Cliff         Ringstead
White Nothe         Swyre Head         Lulworth

General:
Walked from Osmington Holiday Park with the threat of rain.
Sure enough I got to Smugglers Arms Public House and
while I was taking photos of four partridges it started to rain
steadily. I had to put my rain coat on. I passed between
open fields, mostly filled with lush grass and buttercups. In
one field I passed there were lots of mysterious white 
plants in the grass. Other weeds were living in the fields 
quite happerily. Is it possible to find albino thistles? As I 
approached Ringstead the cliffs of White Nothe loomed 
large in the mist. Get ready for a big effort to climb up the 
path. As I reached Ringstead there was a well-constructed 
over two small streams. Through the village where I asked 
a jogger how Nothe was pronounced and said 'No-The'. 
Onwards into the national trust area of Ringshead Bay and 
steady ascent past Burning Cliff and Holworth House to 
summit of White Nothe. I was surprised because the ascent 
was so varied with lots to see even bluebells, the effort was 
minimal and I felt great. Resent cliff falls in the area, so It is 
receommend to keep to designated route and not to explore 
the undercliffs. Magic views east and west along the coast, 
even of Portland out to sea. Pity the sun wasn't shining. 
Passed cottages before steady descent to the middle bottom, 
passing an triangular obelisk which may be used as a marker 
when passing on the sea. Excellent views of the white cliffs 
on the descent, especially of Bats Head and Swyre Head. 
Just before middle bottom and for the whole of the remainder 
of the walk to Lulworth Cove, the elevation changes 
dramatically, with lots of effort on the ascents and lots of care
 on the descents. It goes without saying that it is unwise to 
venture to close the cliff edge. The wind was very strong so 
the gulls were enjoying the 'free ride', souring around the  
high cliffs with no efford. At one point I counted over thirty 
seagulls in the air above me. When I eventually saw Durdle 
Door from Bat's Head it looked just like any other rock end on.
 It wasn't until I was square on to the rock formation that I 
could see the distinctive arch shape. Despite the strong winds 
there were plenty of people walking around enjoying the 
scenery. Another diversion after Durdle Door to miss cliff 
subsidence but it was sign posted well and I still consulted the 
map. Long steep wide path down to Lulworth Cove car park, 
take care the stones can be very slippery when wet. My trusty 
walking stick came in useful again. Excellent views of Lulworth 
Cove and the village. When I reached the car park I looked for 
my lift, no Ann to be seen anywhere. I looked in all the possible 
hiding places around the village then decided to walk the road 
B3070 to West Lulworth. Thankfully no hills. I stayed at the 
village junction by the public phone box waiting. As my mobile 
had no signal I wondered if I had enough coins to make a phone 
call, but the chances were that Ann wouldn't have a signal either. 
I discussed my delema with a passing lady dog walker but she 
said that the village had no phone signal when Ann eventually 
drove up. She explained that she has continued through the 
village and continued inland. When we returned she spoke to 
the same dog walker so she knew I was waiting on the junction. 
What a wonderful days walk, despite the poor weather.