Walk 119 Abbotsbury ro Bridport (Dorset)

Walk 119  Abbotsbury to Bridport (Dorset)

(Second leg of English coastal walk – Broadstairs to Lands End)

Map: L/R 194 and 193

Distance: 12 miles or 20 km approx

Difficulty: moderate

Terrain: coastal paths and some road

Access: Parking in Abbotsbury and Bridport.

Public transport: X53 bus operates between the two towns about once an hour.

The walk starts on the coastal path south of Abbotsbury. After half a mile or so look out for the “chocolate box” Lawrence Cottage with its uninterrupted views of the sea. Continue along to the National Trust owned West Bexington beach.

This next landmark on this peaceful stretch is Cogden Beach also known as Burton Bradstock beach. This is a very popular spot with a large car park. It is also famous as the place where Reggie Perrin, as played by Leonard Rossiter, took his clothes off to fake his own death in the TV series.

Further along is East Cliff – the yellow sandstone cliffs on this stretch are attractive but crumbling away. On the descent from the cliffs is West Bay which lies at the mouth of the River Brit. Workers in West Bay have provided the maritime world with quality rope, twines and nets for centuries.

Complete the walk by turning in land to Bridport. This town has a number of interesting old buildings including many from the 18^th century in Main Street – the museum is housed in a 16^th century building. The town was referred to as Port Bredy in Thomas Hardy’s Wessex novels. A few well known people are associated with the area including one of my favourites, the politically left wing singer and songwriter Billy Bragg.

Photos are: West Bexington Beach; Lawrence Cottage; Burton Bradstock Beach; West Bay.

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