Every now and again the pull of a new coast walk means I need to scour maps looking for somewhere along the South West Coastal Path to walk. Petrol prices currently are meaning that if I’m heading out I’ll be going along quicker roads to minimise the fuel used, and not hitting too many lanes and little roads. If I head east I’m nearly at Chesil Beach now, South Cornwall I have a small stretch around Whitsand (saving that for winter) or I’m almost at Falmouth. And the north coasts of Devon and Cornwall mean a more of those lanes. The South coast is better for me, with the A38 and A35 doing a fine job of getting me quickly and efficiently to places. So where to go, well the east looked better, both in the walk and the weather, so the sat nav was set for Bridport and a parking spot right by the A35, with 24 hours stopping allowed, toilets and cafe. The main highlight of the walk is the section from Doghouse Hill to Thorncombe Beacon, marked on maps as the Monarch’s Way, this is a lovely rolling section of the path with some fantastic views. I also enjoyed the inland section around Quarry Hill which was fun to start with, although it did mean a double crossing of the A35 to include it. I was glad it was before 10am on a Sunday on the first crossing as it was on a blind corner, but I was safely across due to less traffic. In all I crossed the A35 four times, with two further times around Bridport. Another good walk on this path in this area, but I’m probably hitting my limit this way for a day walk now. Maybe one more Premier Inn stopover with the boys is in order!!

Start – Parking by the A30 near Bridport

Route – Higher Eype – A30 – Quarry Hill – Chideock – Doghouse Farm – Seatown – Doghouse Hill – Thorncombe Beacon – Eype Mouth – West Cliff – West Bay – Bridport – Watton

Distance – 8miles    Start time – 9.30am   Time taken – 4hrs 30mins  Highest Point – Thorncombe Beacon 155m

Weather – Warm sun all around, some cloud at times