In 1977 Elkie Brooks promised that there would be Sunshine After the Rain and today she is correct. In the morning there is rain so any walking is delayed until early afternoon. Lynnie does not fancy it and wants to rest her back, so I put on my waterproofs and set off with the dogs.
Out through the farmyard we head to Middle Pymore Farm to join Monarchs Way. The shower has past and the sun is out. We cross a couple of fields, evidence of bears but not seen, they must be hiding in the woods. Then onto Bilshay Lane and around Bilshay Farm yard. Its getting warm and the waterproofs have to come off. Lyn had suggested I wear shorts thinking this would be cooler under waterproof trousers, but now the world is about to view my rarely seen in public legs.
We cross Broadoak Road and continue on past Axen Farm, then turn left down a muddy bridle path towards Quarry Cross. I have generally found when walking the muddiest or steepest tracks that they reward you along the way, so is the case today. I get fantastic views back over to Golden Cap and can spot the closed Anchor Inn at Seatown.
At the junction of paths we carry straight on, going down through a track cut deep into the Dorset stone, trees with roots exposed hanging precariously above us. It’s raining again, but I can see fine weather on the horizon so decide to get wet and then dry as I walk. The track takes us onto Quarr Lane and we follow this until we meet the A35. Not an easy crossing on a busy main road. We are at the brow of the hill and get enough visibility either side to know when its clear, but we need to be quick. As an old friend of mine would say “I wasn’t running, but I passed someone who was”.
We then climb onto Eype Down, again great views back across Bridport and in the distance I can see the farm where we are staying. We see the signpost for Thorncombe Beacon, but that is too close to the cliff edge for a Fred. So instead we follow the track to Down House Farm, passing through the most prolific bluebell wood I have ever seen.
After Down House Farm we cross fields to Lower Eype. We are only in the village for a few yards before our route takes us further uphill and through yet another static caravan park. Then it’s all downhill into West Bay. A bench on the seafront is an ideal spot for cheese and biscuits. To Dexter everywhere is ideal for cheese and biscuits. Both he and Crosby become extremely obedient when there is cheese about.
Out of West Bay through the static van park and across the fields of Cowleaze Farm to Bridport, the reverse of the walk we did a few days ago. Cowleaze Farm brings back memories as the name of the fictional farm in the tales told by the author Ralph Whitlock. As well as being an author Ralph was a farmer in the village where I have lived all my life. His books “A Family and a Village” and “The Lost Village” tell the story of village life in Pitton.
We pass Palmers Brewery with the river level much higher after a couple of days of rain and then we are on our homeward stretch. Another nine miles clocked up.
We decide on an evening stroll along the promenade and Cobb at Lyme Regis. Lyme is a favourite of ours, often visited for long weekends or days when we lived in Taunton, we even took in a whole weekend of Jazz one year.
We park up in Lyme and the dreaded migraine strikes. Lyn leaves me with eyes closed in the car and walks the Cobb alone like the French Lieutenants Woman. It looks like we are destined not to walk together today.
You can view this 9 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here
To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map 116 – Lyme Regis & Bridport
Additional Information
For more information on this walk including car parking, amenities, refreshments and detailed walking directions visit my associated Walking Moonraker website. (Note the details of this walk on my Walking Moonraker website start from Bridport).
27th April 2014
© Two Dogs and an Awning (2014)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.