12 August 2009 - Abbotsbury

Another leg of the Dorset Coast Path from Abbotsbury to West Bay

We started our journey at West Bay and caught the Jurassic Coast bus back to Abbotsbury which allowed us to walk back to West Bay. This is the first leg we have not walked there and back!

The centre of Abbotsbury. I think this is the old school.

Passing St Catherine’s Chapel as we walk down to the beach.

A view along the length of our walk today from Abbotsbury to West Bay. Beyong West Bay you can see Golden Cap.

Looking back along Chesil Beach to the Isle of Portland.

For the first path of the walk there was reasonable track which avoided having to walk on the pebbles which would have been slow going.

Passing Lawrence’s Cottage. I do not think this is connected with the famous Lawrence.

After 3.5 miles we approach West Bexington.

The cafe was open so we had a very welcome mug of tea!

Leaving West Bexington passing the nature reserve in the lagoon region.

A Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly.

This is obviously a good time to see the Yellow Horned Poppy in flower on the shingle.

Passing Cogden Beach.

The Jurrasic Coast bus on the road above us.

From here the path starts to rise as we approach the climb to Burton Bradstock.

The caravan park at Burton Bradstock.

The approach to Burton Beach. From here we can see Lyme Regis beyond Golden Cap. The end of our Dorset Coast Path walks is finally in sight. Probably three more legs after this one.

Looking back from Burton Cliff towards Portland.

Nice light out to sea.

The walk descends from here down to Burton Freshwater.

There is a very large shingle spit here where the river Bride enters the sea.

Down on the beach at Burton Freshwater. From here you can see real signs of the continuous coastal erosion.

Burton Freshwater beach with Portland in the distance.

Almost at journeys end for the day. A look back along East Cliff before we descend to West Bay.

Finally after nearly nine miles we reach West Bay.

The steep descent down to the beach.

Arrival at West Bay. Just a short walk now to the car park.