Golden Cap

My walk this Friday started from Stonebarrow car park just east of Charmouth. An exposed area of heathland close to the cliffs. This area has had many landslips especially in recent times due to the wet weather requiring that the coastal path often takes unplanned diversions. I had company in the form of the local East Devon Ramblers. The sun shone bright but the easterly wind was still biting cold as we followed the meandering path towards the coast and the deserted settlement at St Gabriel's which was abandoned in the 18th century . The ruins of the small church which dates from 1240 and the medieval farm house which was rebuilt again in the 18th century can still be seen.Crossing the fields we headed up the hilly windy fields  bounded by stone walls and thick hedges. Eventually we reached Golden Cap the highest point on the south coast of England at 191 metres above sea level. The wind was so strong as to nearly blow you off your feet but the view along the coastline were wonderful. We headed down Golden Cap and followed the coastal path until we reached Cain's Folly and climbed back  again to Stonebarrow. Time for lunch at the pub at Charmouth. A good way to finish any walk.

For more information on the local area around Stonebarrow see http://www.southampton.ac.uk/~imw/Charmouth-East-Stonebarrow-Hill.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Cap

A walk in the woods

A 11 mile walk today just to get my feet conditioned for The Big Walk at the end of this month. As I headed for Holyford woods I passed the local pig farm. Every pig was up early and busy.The opportunist crows were also sitting on the pigs back looking for breakfast possibilities. The woods were not very April like at all and many of the plants had decided to wait a while until spring really showed its true face again! I climbed up through the dead bracken and joined the road towards the caravan site. A women combed her white Husky looking dog and fir floated in large clumps on the wind. Plenty of birds nest material for passing finches I thought. On sunny banks primroses defiantly resisted the Arctic winds as I trod the long lonely road out of Southleigh. My favourite part of the journey is when I burst out of the woods in the hills just above Sidford. It is almost like emerging from a fairy tale world before civilisation is reached again. Fortunately though I never saw any wolves dressed as old grannies! 

To support me on the Big Walk in the fight against Prostate cancer click on the following link http://www.justgiving.com/Ian-Harris11