Fritham to Frogham

Another glorious February Saturday for walking. Not quite so far this week - only had time for 9 miles. Set off early and started walking about 8.30am. The sunshine through the trees in the car park was beautiful. A short walk through some woods and then up a testing steep slope (nothing like the Purbeck coast though!) onto a ridge that runs virtually the full distance from Fritham to Frogham. At the end of the trail was an ancient well (Abbott's Well) with one hole for animals and one for people - I decided to stick to my orange juice. I was hoping for a coffee in Frogham but all I found was a closed pub with about 20 donkeys stood outside! The walk back took me along the ridge and then along a beautiful trail around the other side of the woods and back to the car park. Very different terrain and scenery from the coastal walk last week but in the warm sunshine it was simply fantastic!

Not so many pictures this week but if you're interested you'll find a few here

Followed Pricerelli to Purbeck

Took inspiration and went to Lulworth Cove and Durdle door today. More on the tourist trail than a 'proper' walk. Still the public path between the two is a good climb. Kids enjoyed it too. Did first run this morning, couple of miles did me in before breakfast...now need to find a supply of yorkies...

Purbeck Coast with Phil & Pompey Bear

click on the picture to see more

I survived!!

21 miles, of which I think about 20 were uphill and still standing - just!

We left home at about 7.30am and drove to Worth Matravers in Dorset. Temperature was about -4C when we set off, white frost and particularly icey country roads.

Ready to walk by 9.00am and the first half hour was fine - frosty and cold but good path to St Aldhelm's head. I have to say I wasn't quite prepared for what came next - a deep valley with 400 steps (varying in height and degrees of ice and mud!) down and 616400 equally hazardous steps up. By now the frost was being melted by the warm sunshine but all that served to do was to replace the slippery ice with probably even more slippery grass. Further climbs up Houns Tout along the cliff top and muddy wet coastal path brought us to a stunning waterfall. An amazing spot...could have stayed there all day... but on we went...slipping and sliding along the coastal path....trying to avoid the cracks that warned of imminent landslips and on to Kimmeridge Bay. The Clavell Tower on the descent to Kimmeridge a point of interest having been moved back from the cliff edge piece by piece in the 2008. Apparently it is now available to rent as a holiday home. Through Kimmeridge Bay and then onto the Lulworth Ranges - lot's of tanks, cunningly disguised as cows and sheep but thankfully they were not shooting missiles (although one or two were dropping bombs!). Another climb up to Tyneham Cap where we stopped for much needed lunch. Phil decided I was doing okay so we extended the planned route on to Worbarrow Bay. Fantastic views along the Jurassic coast towards Weymouth and Portland. Lulworth Cove was a hill or two too far - maybe next time. Back down to sea level and into the village of Tyneham - a village that was taken over by the MOD during the 2nd world war with all the residents made to leave. Much of the village now lies in ruins but the church and the old school house now host exhibitions. The snowdrops and freshly opened daffodils in front of the church a reminder that spring has truly sprung - bring on the summer! Now, Tyneham is almost at sea level....that could only mean one thing...another climb! All the way back to the top of Tyneham Cap followed by a good hike along the ridge (a few more ups and downs!) above Kimmerdige. And then, you guessed it another long steep climb up to Swyre Head. Thankfully 3km of lovely tarmac road from Swyre Head to the village of Kingston gave some respite before a sneaky little hill and a long winding road back down to the base of Houns Tout. Finally, just to finish things (and me) off a steep, slippery and muddy climb back to the carpark. Half a mile DRIVE from the carpark we stopped at the Square and Compass for a well earned and much needed pint. Roaring fire, hot mulled cider, real ales - perfect! I have to say it was an awesome day - the weather was perfect - the scenery breathtaking. The walk was challenging and I have to say that here, now, on Sunday afternoon, I'm glad that I haven't got to walk a similar distance today! I think I'll need a few more outings before I am ready to face the WightWayRound.


Here's a link to the pictures: PURBECK COAST 14.2.09

water water everywhere

Decided to test my wet weather gear on Monday night - most of it worked! 3 miles in the pouring rain was not much fun though so it's a good job that we've booked a sunny weekend for June. Tonight I managed 4 miles in the dry - much better! All this in preparation for the epic Purbeck Coast walk that I have planned for Saturday. I said to a friend that I needed to do some hills - so hills it is - 20 miles of them!! Don't tell my friend Phil, but I am secretly worried about whether my legs will carry me the distance! At least the weather forecast looks good and that stretch of coast is fantastic. If I've got the strength to press the button look out for some pics next week. That's all for now.

Off & Running(or walking)

Seven Miles! Not very picturesque - in to Town & back but compensation of Costa coffee half way round.

All together now.........

We need to get together for training and to sort out arrangements for the walk. It has been suggested that we walk 10 - 15 miles on a Saturday or Sunday in March - all we've got to do is find a date when we are all free! Please let me have (or e-mail mark.price@bb.lloydstsb.co.uk) the dates you are available as soon as possible. Thanks.

Another walk and new boots

Did another walk this morning, 8 miles. After rain last week, this week was cold!! (and not an ice cream van in sight) No snow though. But feet ached a bit when got home so have now bought some walking boots so I can keep up with Mr Pricerelli. Need to wear them in now, bit heavy to wear around the house though.