Golden Cap

 My Walk from Lyme Regis to West Bay including Golden Cap.

If spectacular scenery is your thing, then walking this part of the South West Coastal Path is an absolute must.

First of all, I have to describe the Lyme Regis to West Bay walk as a demanding but rewarding walk. It is not a family walk as it is very hilly with some very steep climbs including Golden Cap - not for the faint hearted!

Here is a brief intro to Golden Cap - Golden Cap is 191 metres (626 ft) high making it the highest point on the South Coast of Great Britain. It is situated between Bridport and Charmouth in Dorset, England and forms part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site. It is owned by the National Trust.

 Here is my how my walk from Lyme Regis to West Bay went...

We parked up at The George Inn, West Bay and caught the bus to Lyme Regis. The tickets were reasonable  at £2.20 each Adult for a single (correct as of 15/11/07).

The George Inn, West Bay - our starting point

At Lyme Regis we made our way to the start of the coast path, it is located at the top of the hill. Be sure to get off the bus at this point as it is a bit of a climb to get back. We found that there was a path diversion in place due to the cliffs being unstable.

Above, a view looking back at Lyme Regis.

We then had our first glimpse of what was to come..

Above a view of Golden Cap from Lyme Regis

The coastal path diversion was a disappointment, taking us across the golf course and along the road into Charmouth. Not at all exciting!

Once in Charmouth we joined the original coastal path, near Charmouth Heritage Centre and across a wooden bridge.

The wooden bridge at Charmouth.

A view of the Charmouth Heritage Centre from the bridge.

Above, the Heritage Centre, as seen from the wooden bridge at Charmouth.

We made our way up the steep hill, stopping periodically to admire the views of Charmouth, with Lyme Regis in the background.

Above, looking towards Charmouth from Cain's Folly.

Again the view ahead left was promising...

Above, looking from Cain's Folly towards Golden Cap

The climb was steep, but the excitement kept us eager.

We said our final farewell to Charmouth.

With Golden Cap on the horizon, we walked on.

It seems never to be getting closer.

We know from the signpost that we are half way between Charmouth and Golden Cap.

Above, a sign showing Charmouth 1.5 Miles and Golden Cap 1.5 Miles.

Looking back towards Charmouth, we appreciate how much climbing we have already done!

Moving forward, we are greeted by some of the natives.

Looking back.

She still looks so far away!

Above, Golden Cap from a distance.

Here we are, virtually at the foot of Golden Cap

We start the long hard climb.

As we climb the views get better.

Until, we finally make it, below is the view looking back towards Lyme Regis / Charmouth.

Above, a view from the top of Golden Cap looking towards Charmouth / Lyme Regis.

And below looking towards West Bay.

Above, a view from the top of Golden Cap looking toward East Ebb / Great Ebb / Lower Eype / West Bay.

We see a memorial on top of Golden Cap

The Earl of Antrim Memorial.

'GOLDEN CAP
Given by members of The National Trust
and friends in memory of
THE EARL OF ANTRIM KBE
Chairman of The National Trust
from 1966 until his death in 1977'

Now on the decent towards Seatown.

The decent is very steep.

We stop at The Anchor Inn at Seatown, for a swift, well earned pint!

Above, The Anchor Inn, Seatown

We then stop on the hill for Lunch, taking in the beauty.

Above looking towards Seatown from Ridge Cliff

The hills keep coming

Looking back gives some indication of how hilly it is!

Above looking toward Seatown and Golden Cap from East Ebb

We can see West Bay in the distance, with a hill or two to go!

Above looking at Great Ebb from East Ebb

Looking back towards Golden Cap and Seatown.

Looking forward, down upon West Bay, looks like we have done the worst of the hills!

Above, looking over Monarch's Way towards Lower Eype and West Bay from Great Ebb

Looking back, we realise how high we were!

Above looking back up Great Ebb from Monarch's Way.

Looking down towards Eype's Mouth

Above looking at West Cliff and Eypes Mouth from Monarch's Way.

Looking back past Eype's Mouth with Golden Cap in the distance.

Above, Eype's Mouth from West Cliff. Click here to see how erosion has changed Eype's Mouth.

West Bay ahead!

Above, West Bay from West Cliff.

The final decent into West Bay

And here we are!

Above, West Bay Harbour.

We finished! After approximately 10.75 miles, and 6 hours.

This is one of the most enjoyable walks I have done.

15/11/07

Click here for the link for the bus timetable

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last update 28/7/08 07:48

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