One word defined Saturday’s hike recce for Foot Trails: Wind!
We test and check new trails quite often in the winter, and Saturday was exceptionally windy. This powerful force of nature was awesome. Throwing up spray onto us on the cliffs, buffeting our faces and threatening to take our breath away!
This hike is for our new ‘Seascapes of Dorset’ walking trip. It’s best described as moderate due to the steep cliff climbs in places. (down and up!).
We began in a small coastal community on Dorset’s coast. Idyllic cottages and a great pub. The village has a rich and well documented history of smuggling during the 18th and 19th centuries. Contraband such as brandy, tea and silk were often hidden in the local caves and several points on our trail were locations where goods were brought ashore.
From here our hike hugged the coastline cliffs closely. The views of the swell on the sea were incredible.
On top of the cliffs the wind was strongest and the coastguard waved to us out of the window of the glass fronted lookout. My hair blew out wildly from beneath my hat! We paused to look at the small chapel.
Continuing along the cliffs we could see great expanses of sea. Sheep perched a little precariously on the cliff slopes. The views were amazing, seeing where green land met the sea.
Our lunch spot made a welcome sight: A proper stone built pub in the heart of the Purbeck countryside. The view from the garden over Corfe castle is tremendous and breathtaking. Inside we found a cosy spot by a log fire and tucked in, chatting over our day’s adventures.
Today’s trail was 7 miles. The complete trail will be 10 miles in length.
If you’d like to know more about our walking & hiking trips on the Dorset coast, visit our trip page or send us an email.
