LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Ancient Buildings with two natural wonders, Chesil Beach and the Swannery. Sylvia was reading a book in the car, in pub overflow car park. I joined the walk after '10' at 'T' junction. I had to ask an old lady where the Tithe Barn was so I could get my bearings. I walked through the village past two local craftsmen, one repairing a stone wall, the other painting a thatched cottage. As I left the village I walked down a lane signposted 'Beach' one mile. Then I realised I was heading for Point '4' so I quickly returned to the main road and turned at '11' instead, down a tarmaced lane. I was surprised to see pampas grass growing in large numbers by the side of the lane. It must be the mild winter weather in these parts, and the shelter from the high ground to the north. I continued down to Chesil Beach past the sub-tropical gardens and the car parks. Chargeable car park at '2' for visitors to Chesil Beach. I was amazed at the quantity and constant size of the pebbles on the beach. I walked up and over the mound of stones to experience the scale of it all. There were good views to high ground to the west and east. The beach was almost empty apart from a small number of walkers and fishermen. Good views also of West Fleet near the Swannery. I continued on the Coastal Path trying to find firm ground on the edge of the stone 'dunes'. No track from '2' to '3', only stones. I read the information board on the beach which said that it was illegal to take the stones away and that the 'dunes' were moving inland at a rate of one metre every century. Easy walking, from '3' to '4' except for muddy patches, good track straight on at '4' through metal gate, and onto '5' and '6'. Ignore sign on gate just past '5' to chapel. A new wall has been built to retain horses. Continue to '6' and around the farm building. Good track up to chapel. Return to gate '7' but take path sharp right down, with wall on left, to new stile in wall by road and new finger post. At '8' turn right to take pedestrian track past cottages to Swannery. Left from '8' takes busy narrow road to Swannery. Entry to Swannery now £6.50 for each adult. I decided to give it a miss this time, due to tight schedule. I returned to '8' via pedestrian path and continued to Tithe Barn, remains of Abbey and St Nicholas' Church. I continued back to the car park. .

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk
Abbotsbury

Take care when reading maps.