Seatown to Golden Cap - South West Coastal Path

Due to the persistent rain over the last day or so the plans for this walk have changed considerably. Instead of starting at Seatown we have opted to start from the National Trust Car Park at Langdon Hill. 

By the time I had figured out the complexities of the pay and display machine the rain had started up. From the Car Park Golden Cap is clearly signposted. We follow the main path around the side of the hill. 

The clearings on the left as you follow the track around give magnificent views over Chideock and the surrounding West Dorset countryside. At least it would if only the frustrating mist would lift.  

 

The small coastal hamlet of Seatown lies where the River Winniford meets the coast and Thorncombe Beacon is barely visible on the cliffs beyond sadly. 

It is still a steepish walk to get to the summit of Golden Cap. Golden Cap is a hill and cliff situated on the English Channel coast between Bridport and Charmouth in Dorset, England. At 191 metres, it is arguably the highest point on the south coast of Great Britain and is visible for tens of miles along the coastline. Owned by the National Trust and forms part of the Jurassic Cast a World Heritage site. 

The name derives from the distinctive outcropping of golden greensand rock at the top of the cliff. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We arrive at the concrete column of the Trig Point at the top of Golden Cap.

Looking in the other direction to the West you can see Charmouth and a bit further Lyme Regis. The sun is trying it's hardest to break through but the mist is just about winning the battle.

The trees all show signs of a windswept existence. Not surprising really given that it is the highest point on the coastal path.

There is also a monument donated by the Members of the National Trust in memory of the Earl of Antrim Randal McDonnell KBE  Chairman of the National Trust from 1965 to 1977.

 

It really is an inspiring place and it is with some reluctance that we have to move on. It is tempting to make the steep descent down the western face towards Stanton St Gabriel and the old Chapel. Instead we go back the way we came but did make a detour between Filcombe Woods and Langdon Woods. An uphill path takes us back to where we parked the car.

I really wanted to take the walk down to Seatown. Mrs A was happy to take the car so I carried on from where we started to where the path forks. 

Again there are great views looking up to Golden Cap. Most people however seemed to be coming upwards rather than downwards....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's a funny thing that as soon as we leave Golden Cap the sun comes out! In fact it has got rather warm, so warm that I have discarded not one but two layers of clothing. That soon becomes three as the waterproof coat is folded up into the rucksack. 

The path becomes much trickier though and starts to resemble a ski slope. People are falling down all over the place. I heard one angry parent shouting at his child to find some dry grass! Good luck with that one then..Somehow I did manage to stay on my feet and avoid embarrassment. 

It was with some relief that I reached Seatown and was reunited with my other half. There were plenty of  other visitors too, many of them struggling to manouvre through the churned up car park. I have to say I had worked up a sweat and a thirst so first port of call was The Anchor Public House. For the record a pint of 'Tally Ho' from local Dorset Brewers 'Palmers'. A nice strong Dark Ale at 5.5%. that went down well.

Seatown is a lovely coastal hamlet approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) west-southwest of Bridport. Part of the  96 miles (154 km) Jurassic coast. The small River Winniford or Wynreford runs into the sea here. The pebble beach is also good for fossil hunting.   

Nothing for it, then but to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach in the Winter sun. Hard to believe that this is actually the Christmas season. 

All was simply picture perfect until for some bizarre reason I jumped off a ridge of shingle. I was no match for the incoming surf and got a soaking. A bit of boot mopping out took place and we were on our way again. 

We walked as far as the foothills of Golden Cap and back again. 

The picture left is looking towards Golden Cap. The picture above is looking towards Thorncombe Beacon.

There was mayhem back in the card park with a number of vehicles stuck in the mud. Those that weren't stuck were sliding all over the place... Thankfully we were in a good spot and had the benefit of 4 4 wheel drive.

It has been a brilliant day! The weather eventually was kind and another place on the SW Coastal Path wish list fulfilled.

In total the  walk was around the 5 mile mark. The next leg looks almost as strenuous though as what has gone before.