The end is in sight!

12 June 2018

This is a big day. The longest walk so far and also the finish of the coast path trail. (I have yet to do the start and 600 odd miles of the middle bits) My plan has always been to do the walk “in bits” and in no particular order so this is where I can get the picture of the finish sculpture and then fill in the rest over the years. Tom came along on this one too, on a super day, sunny with occasional overcast spells but nice and mild. We had already walked a mile from our hotel in Bournemouth before catching the bus to Swanage but all set up like proper walkers with our sandwiches, water and emergency supplies. How serious are we? Swanage looked quaint but no time to dally. We started off along the promenade towards the chalky distant cliffs. Quite a steep climb up but a few rests along the way and we were on top with only gentle downhill for the rest of the day. Stunning views in all directions. On the headland we were treated to a pair of red kites doing their thing with such ease. A bird we don’t have in Devon – yet. Matching the sky and stunning sea we saw blue butterflies. Adonis blue and chalk hill blue. Thank you to the I-spy book of blue things. Old Harry Rocks looked spectacular in the sun, a hot part of the walk with no shade and every seat taken with people enjoying the views. Across the water the Needles sing out in unison. Further along we got down to the beach and a much needed lunch break. Studland bay stretches out ahead and was a tad overwhelming but there are civilised facilities. Step by step the distance lessened and looking back is more heartening than forwards. Looking anywhere while passing through the nudist beach is tricky but a wind had whipped up so some covering up had occurred. If I ever do this walk again I must remember that low tide is the best time to walk, on the hard wet sand as opposed to the soft sand higher up the beach and, even worse – the dunes. Shell bay at the end of the walk comes up fast, thankfully, and suddenly we are a short stroll from the Sculpture. We both felt elated despite wrecked knees. A few folk were taking pictures at the Sculpture and some offered to take some of us. Inevitable conversations struck up about the walk, had we done it in one go, how long did it take and so on. We skulked off quietly as those who had completed 630 miles deserved to enjoy their moment. One day, maybe and hopefully I will also be a completer even if it has been “in bits”.