Dorset I

Last weekend we wandered to the south coast and the lovely wild scenery of Dorset. The best thing with having a local guide is the places we get to explore. Places often off the beaten track. The coast was cold, wet and windy with wild seas, just the way I like it. Well the wild seas rather than the cold and wet. The pic below shows I know how to dress to cope!

It was still light enough when we arrived to explore West Lulworth and get some much needed sea time. I suspect I'm not really designed to live inland. The pebble beach in a tight cove with a chilly sea breeze blew out the cobwebs. Watching a couple of cold water swimmer shrieking and laughing as they entered the water was hilarious - not for hot house flowers! West Lulworth is such a picturesque place with stone houses with thatched rooves and winter gardens. I quite fell in love. The Countryman hotel fitted the bill, a warm haven for a cold one and dinner. The first night folks were lovely, a couple of young lads running the place for mum and dad. The second night service was different, not quite such a friendly family affair. 

Saturday dawned wet, windy and cold. A big breakfast consumed we hit the road as the weather was becoming more exploring friendly. The lanes were narrow and rough as we headed towards Tyneham Village, an eerie place stuck in 1943. Tyneham was evacuated in December 1943 during WWII and has been deserted ever since. The area was needed for military training but after the war ended, the villagers were not allowed to return. Visiting Tyneham on a misty, drizzling day was a bit spooky. Wandering through peoples homes they were forced to leave and seeing what life was like from the 14th century until 1943. The church has an amazing array of artifacts, stories of the families and a timeline of local history. 

We wandered to the cove below the village as it fined up a bit. The rocky shore was wild with large waves crashing over a beach littered with pieces the storm had brought with it. Lobster pots, nets, bouys and other fishing detritus. I picked up a few stones and shells for my travel bowl and almost got caught by a surprise wave. Luckily I heard it coming and beat a hasty retreat, much to the delight of my companion laughing at me from very safe ground. 

Next stop was another wonderfully historic place, Corfe Castle and village. The sun had arrived and the mist cleared to wonderful views over the countryside. We explored the ruins in sunshine. Corfe Castle dates to about the 11th century and is thought to have been one of the earliest castles in England to be built partly using stone. Wandering amongst the stone towers and walls it's easy to imagine how this place withstood the sieges it was subjected to. We sat in the sun looking out over the Isle of Purbeck, enjoying the peace and beauty of the countryside. 

Pub crawling historic pubs was a great end to the day. There are some lovely old pubs, ones where the doors and beams were so low even I had to duck a bit. My favorite was The Castle Inn. I love the thatch roof cottages although they are not practical with high levels of upkeep and being a fire hazard. While I can dream of living in one, I suspect I might not enjoy the small windows and cool interiors. I slept well after a big day wandering in the cold, warmed by a tasty Spanish red. 

Tyneham Village

Rugged coast 

Lulworth Cove

Corfe Castle

The view

Picture perfect

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