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