We choose the delights of West Dorset for our minibreak, in an area stretching from Lyme Regis to Weymouth and Portland. This wonderful part of the world is home to some of Dorset’s finest unspoilt countryside, immortalised in part thanks to Thomas Hardy, who was inspired by his surroundings and celebrated the local scenery by using it as the setting for his works of classic literature. Fortunately,the vast expanses of countryside we encounter during our travels arelargely unchanged from the view he would have experienced as a resident ofDorset more than a century ago.
Predating Hardy’s day is the Jurassic Coast, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A huge draw for visitors with its jaw-dropping scenery and coastal views, the area is incredibly accessible thanks to the fantastic South West Coast Path long distance walking route which spans its length.
We’re looking forward to lacing up our walking boots as we arrive in Seatown, a small coastal hamlet close to Bridport and the starting point for our adventure. We park in the small carpark in the centre at the seafront and immediately feel at the heart of something very special with a glorious view looking out to sea. However, we don’t wait around for long, as we’re heading uphill to get an even better view from the top of Golden Cap, famous for being the highest point on the southern coast of England.
It’s an exhilarating walk to the top, and perhaps not one for the faint hearted, but we’d definitely recommend giving it a go. Your reward is superb panoramic views over the whole of Lyme Bay, and a feeling of accomplishment having become immersed in the region’s show stopping scenery. Savour the moment and a view you’ll never forget, before heading back down to Seatown, safe in the knowledge a delicious pub lunch is waiting for you!
