Lazy start

I really took my time this morning. Lazy Ben had decided that he had all the time in the world. He woke up naturally, got dressed, strolled up the field to pay for camping and whatever was sold in the shop. Chatted to a fellow hiker for 20 minutes. Got washed. Had a hot chocolate. Just was totally chilled. Then the Ben who wanted to walk the coastal path gave him a good talking to!

Osmingon Mills to Weymouth

Ignoring the disaster of working out how to get back on the path and walking back and forth several times, the walk to Weymouth was really pleasant. I was having issues with my backpack again so stopped just as I got to Weymouth to adjust it. It may be better.

As most probably know the beach in Weymouth is massive. It felt like I was walking along it for ages. It’s very nice though. I’d maybe come back one day. Even though we’re in September it’s really hot and feels like the height of Summer and it was quite busy.

The path hugs the coastline quite well here although that can be a little annoying because you find you have to turn back on yourself quite a lot due to harbours and where bridges are placed.

Onto Portland

I shouldn’t have complained about how long the sea front was in Weymouth because the road to Portland feels longer. The path is a bit rubbish as well – not so great under foot. I was already suffering from seeing the footpath sign that I was due to see several hours later after going around the outside of Portland and then back on myself. It was very tempting to skip the whole thing but that would have been a bit of a cop out.

The initial walk on Portland is quite built up with businesses and marinas (although I at least know where I can store my boat now)  but soon there is a really steep climb which takes you through a housing estate and into the wilderness.

I say the wilderness. It’s not really. It’s all just looks a bit barren. You then get to a young offenders institution which seems a little odd. At least they get good views.  Proper big fences though. Reminded me a bit of Alcatraz. From there you head round the isle and onto the lighthouses. It was worth the walk as it was great here. The sea looked amazing and it was nice to look back at the coast.

The route back from the lighthouses was so much better than the route there so I was glad I’d done it clockwise. It was well signposted as well. One thing to note is that the initial route does take you inland quite a bit so I was concerned I’d make a few mistakes but I’m quite sure I hadn’t.

Back to the mainland

The road was still long and as I expected it was slightly frustrating to be back where I’d been about 8 hours before. I hadn’t booked a campsite for the night so popped to a petrol station to buy a sandwich and use their toilet and then headed back along the coastline.

Unfortunately there was quite a big diversion due to some building work but it wasn’t too bad. It took me past a campsite and I was tempted to ask to stay but figured if I walked a couple more miles then it’s more distance under my belt and also would force me to start earlier tomorrow.

Made camp

I’m quite scared if I’m honest. I walked for about an hour and it started to get dark so looked for a spot to stop at. I’m camped about a foot from the path overlooking a small town and an estuary type thing called East Fleet. The tent barely fits in the gap and I’m worried I’ll get caught. I’m writing this and I haven’t put my bed up yet as it feels like temping fate. I’ve not heard anyone come past though. Wish me luck.