NHDG of the Ramblers - Members  Reports

 

                 

 CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO HOME PAGE

                                                2021 Trip to Eype  by Richard Keast

                                      

RAMBLERS BOYS OUTING 2021. EYPE MOUTH, DORSET

The postponed 2020 Ramblers Boys annual outing finally got under way on 5 July 2021

We had four days of walks planned and the location was the Eype Mouth Hotel in Dorset. Eype is a small coastal village about four miles southwest of Bridport.

Monday 5 July

The crew arrived early afternoon sharing three cars, and after checking in, we set off under a leaden skies and with a fierce wind blowing in from the sea. Rain was a distinct probability.

It was a short walk down to the pebble beach which was being pounded by some huge  breakers. We crossed the wooden bridge spanning the small stream that passed for the River Eype and headed east up a seriously steep coastal path. The sign post informed us that West Bay was one mile, where we duly arrived after a good half hour down another steep path, enjoying splendid views over the small harbour and along the coast towards Burton Bradstock. We later found out that the majority of sign posts informed that most places were just one mile, when many of them were patently not.

Paul was our walk leader today and having walked around the interesting little harbour he directed us to the Bridport Arms where we sampled some Dorset Ales. The rain finally drove us away, back the way we came, getting pretty wet on our way up to the top of the cliff but it kindly desisted on the way down, allowing the even stronger wind to dry us off; great views to Golden Cap in the distance, our destination for another day.

Our hotel package included the evening dinner and a most enjoyable meal was had from an interesting menu.

Tuesday 6 July

After a splendid breakfast, mine including scrambled egg and smoked salmon, we assembled in the carpark for Ken’s walk to Golden Cap.

As the highest point on the south coast of England at 626 ft it is very easy to identify from quite a distance, with its flat summit overlooking the coast and the layers of golden sandstone clearly visible. The walk started from the bottom of our little hill, only this time we turned west and immediately started the climb towards Thorncombe Beacon.

The hill up to the beacon is heart-pumpingly steep so those of a certain age and condition (Mike and myself) took a longer loop to arrive back on the South West Coastal Path (this section is also called Monarch’s Way). Views along the coast and down to our lunchtime destination of Seatown were stunning. We were also stunned to find that the only pub in Seatown did not open on a Tuesday so the hopes of crab sandwiches we fantasied over, were dashed. The pints were available however from the adjacent beach hut but the warm sausage roll was a poor substitute. Five intrepid Ramblers then headed up towards the top of Golden Cap hoping that the light rain shower would remain light. With some seriously dark clouds heading for the coast the remaining three not quite so intrepid but sensible, Ed, Mike and myself decided against the return walk via the beacon and called a taxi. There was a certain amount of schadenfreude whilst waiting for our ride as many cars arrived in front of us equally disappointed at the closed Anchor Inn. Unless staff vacancies can be filled rapidly much of the staycation summer will be a disappointment to visitors and proprietors alike.

The rain clouds cleared when back at the hotel so the terrace and a few beers were consumed in the warming sun. I did a local walk whilst waiting for the top team’s arrival and they had had a most enjoyable climb up the Golden Cap and back along the coastal path. The total mileage to the Cap and return was 6 miles (feeling more like nine apparently was the consensus) but the climb up to the beacon was tougher than the climb up to the top of Golden Cap.

After another excellent meal we retired to the basement bar to watch the first semi final of the EURO competition. Nice to watch the match in a group and the winners, Italy will be a tough opponent to the other finalist.

Wednesday 7 July

Mike’s walk was to start in Lyme Regis where we arrived at around 10.30 after a short car ride of nine miles. Shorts were the choice of the majority, as warm weather was forecast.

We left the Charmouth Road car park and headed uphill for a couple of hundred metres before we took a narrow path on the right. We headed up through several fields that had been left as wild  flower meadows and Stephen, fountain of all knowledge regarding things that fly either on gossamer wings or attached to jet engines, informed us of the various species seen. The warm sun helped the meadows give a heady scent; most pleasant.

The walk continued north along Dragon’s Hill and Rhode Barton before turning south and heading back towards the coast. It was a path not much followed in some parts, and quite overgrown but very pleasant (walk number 3 in the OS Dorset Walk book).

The last section of the walk followed the river into Lyme and the house owners had done a splendid job on painting the outside of their properties during lock down; a most attractive part of town. We came onto the busy promenade and viewed a calm sea with many bathers and a pretty full beach.

Well, try as we might we could not get a beer anywhere that went with a seat. We did manage a few seats outside a bar that was nothing to do with the bar.  Amid all the confusion two beers were brought by a young maiden and given to Dr Nick and Stephen. Not sure what else they taught Dr Nick at medical school but I wouldn’t mind some! We decided to head back to our terrace at Eype for some liquid sustenance. We had to politely wait in the hot sunshine for Dr Nick and Stephen to finish their beer.......

After dinner we suffered the usual angst watching England play against Denmark but this time a positive result, just about worth the win. Ed had some added interest as two of his grandchildren are Danish; a small world!

Thursday 8 July

Our last day, and after we settled our bills we left the cars in the hotel car park and headed down the hill, this time on a small path and not the road. We turned eastward and walked along the cliffs  down to West Bay harbour once again.

Blessed with a warm sun and good forecast, Stephen led us away from the harbour and through a large caravan park on a public footpath. We headed north, crossing numerous fields all recently cut and passed under the A35. The path had two titles, Hardy Way and once again, Monarch’s Way. At a large sports complex we turned westward and after about a mile turned south crossing the A35 again. A series of footpaths led us through the Eype church grounds and down the hill to the hotel. A very pleasant, mostly inland walk of around four to four and a half miles to bring to an end an excellent four-day break. A last drink on the terrace was enjoyed as was the unanimous vote that we do the same again next year, but where will it be?

In Summary

As usual Ken did a great job in organising both the hotel and a bunch of unorganised blokes.

Those who took part, Mike, Ken, Dr Nick, Stephen, Colin, Ed, Paul and myself, all hope to be present next year.

Richard

Getting wet at West BayBeach at Eype

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO HOME PAGE