16/10/2021 - West Bay To Abbotsbury (9.3mls)

As this was a Saturday, the day started with Justine doing a park run in Bridport. In fact it was the Bridport Park Run's 50th event so Justine was able to wear her 50th T-shirt although this was in fact her 149th park run. Not having seen a park run before I was delighted to see the atmosphere that these runs create with participants of all fitness levels and ages taking part. There are over 1,000 park run locations in the UK and although not being a runner I was tempted to fast walk the course - maybe it should go on my bucket list!

Fiona meanwhile was planning to visit the regular Saturday street market with which we were familiar having had several weekend breaks in Bridport in the past. Unfortunately the farmers market was not taking place as this occurs on alternate weeks but there is always lots to see including this week some lively entertainment ...

But DavidL, Justine and DavidA needed to get on with our walk from West Bay to Abbotsbury, having walked from Weymouth to Abbotsbury the previous year. The walk starts by climbing the imposing East Cliff (with reminders of the Broadchurch TV series) and is best viewed from the sea...

... although the view from the bottom of the cliff is just as challenging ...

With more ups and downs on the way along the edge of the golf course this was a tough start to our week. The golf course looks equally challenging as well with one hole seemingly flowing down to the coast and it was not surprising to see lots of motorised buggies and golf bag holders.

Eventually, the path returns to ground level and we stopped for morning coffee at a very popular spot at Burton Hive. We were now approaching Chesil Beach country and indeed the path eventually becomes a very arduous trek for over a mile walking on the pebbles. Our calves were groaning by the time we reached West Lexington where we had arranged to meet Fiona and have are lunch box.

Setting off again towards Abbotsbury it was another mile of pebbles before the way ahead becomes a firmer path to reach Buller's Way and the final 2 miles to the Ilchester Arms in the village of Abbotsbury. However, along the way from West Lexington we noticed a significant number of anglers and talking to one of them we enquired as to what fish they expected to catch today. The reply was mackerel and they were expecting bucket loads - we discovered more about this on our walks over the next few days.

The cross country route inland to Abbotsbury is very attractive and having rounded Chapel Hill on the outskirts of the village there are superb views across to the church and tithe barn and a meandering stream which gives the appearance that things have not changed for hundreds of years ...

With the sun shining all day we could not have a better start to our week - apart from those pebbles!