A walk along a coastal path, on a military shooting ground, with tank crossing points, in thick sea fog sounds like the basis of a TV drama rather than a possible location for a bank holiday family walk.
To add to the atmosphere, parking was provided in a lost, deserted village and there were signs about not touching military debris. Old tanks parked up, in the distance. The road to it is gated and locked every night. Did I mention the fog?
{insert dramatic, foreboding soundtrack here}
The walk wasn’t sold to me in so many words. I’m pretty sure I’d have given it a miss. For one, where were the views? I’m also sure that sea fog is nature’s own version of photoshop. Removing all traces of anything beyond 20 metres. There were times when I lost sight of the lead walkers in our party and was glad of the yellow posts, marking the route and the fences along the edge.
It became a running joke to sit on the benches, positioned I assume, at view points. Looking out into the impenetrable fog. Snow blindness. We could have been on the edge of the world.
I’m sure it must have been a beautiful view.
I have no idea how scary the cliff edges were, as we peered over, but I can tell you about the flowers, clinging on the edge. We saw sea pinks/thrift and yellow horned poppies. We could smell the sea water and hear the oyster catchers down below. We spotted a herd of 12 roe deer at one point.
Strangely, this turned into a really good walk. It’s steep to start with and the coastal path undulates, but there are flat parts too. We walked about 3 miles. I’d be tempted to go back again, if for no other reason than to see the view.
The route we took would have ended up in Kimmeridge Bay. Heading the other way, we could reach Lulworth Cove, for a slightly longer walk. There is also a 20 minute stroll to Worbarrow Beach.
Foggy days do not make for the best photo days, but against all the odds, I still managed to take a few photos!
Details
Place: Lulworth Range Coastal Walk, Dorset.
Times: The range is used by the military and closed when in use. Also locked at night. Check the times before you head off
Parking and amenities: Plenty of parking in the deserted Tyneham village. A suggested donation of £2. Basic toilets. Also an exhibition in the old school house and church.
Lulworth Cove and surrounding area is lovely place to visit and walk, what a shame you had such thick fog but wonderful to spot a herd of deer.
We must have walked almost similar routes! We parked in Tyneham too then walked up on to the cliff before heading down to the bay. No fog though. We were in Kimmeridge the day before, kids got a little startled by a small rockfall from the cliffs. Couldn’t believe it when I saw people sitting under them.
I rather like your homegrown fog photo shop! It certainly adds atmosphere to the pictures. On the plus side the weather was dry, a view in the rain is not much fun, I think I’d settle for the fog. I think it missed us but it was a pretty typical overcast bank holiday. I think I’d have felt a little uneasy not being able to see how steep the drop was along the path and you’ll definitely need a return trip to check out the view!
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
Oh wow! That fog….. Looks like it would be an absolutely gorgeous walk though. Sarah #CountryKids
I think I know when you did this walk as the beach was also not visible that day. Its so spooky! I can only imagine how spooky this walk was. #countrykids
The sea fog does roll in. I can imagine it is spooky on your own door step.
This reminds me of where we used to live. I do miss coastal walks! And this one does look like it’s straight from a scary movie 🙂 But still lovely nonetheless 😉 #countrykids
You are right, it should have been scary, but it wasn’t. You must have had wonderful views.
Definitely an interesting ‘view’ but the flowers are beautiful I really wanted to visit Tyneham village when we were down there, but it wasn’t open the days we were there. #countrykids
It is an unusual place. I should imagine even more so when military maneuvers are on the go.
At least you could see the lovely flowers up close!! I love thrift and to see it growing en masse like this is a real treat
It looks a stunning walk and it looks incredibly beautiful with the fog X #MMBC
Ah the fog I can remember trying to geocache in it once! Lovely photos although I’m not so keen on the black rubbish bag strewn across the wire fence. #CountryKids
I think you have taken some amazing photos so would love to have seen your non-fog photos. #countrykids
Haha! I feel that sense of foreboding with the fog and scene you painted in the beginning! I love the close up shot of the flowers; I do wonder about the views that the fog cleared. You may not have had the views, but at least you enjoyed getting out and about in nature as a family. 😛
It would be good to get some pictures of you sitting in the same place with the view in front of you instead of the fog!! The chives are very pretty though. Good to get out as a family xx #CountryKids
Glad you enjoyed the walk. What a shame it was foggy though and you couldn’t get to enjoy any of the views. Lovely shots of the flowers though 🙂 #countrykids
This looks like an amazing (if not foggy) day. Great post Cheryl – all those factors together made for a great read x #PoCoLo
I love your opening line – it does sound like something out of a TV drama!
What a walk that must’ve been not being able to see anything off the cliff. The phrase pea-souper springs to my mind…not sure why?!
I bet this walk is stunning, and very different, at different times of the year and when the fog has lifted!
#CountryKids
Love the foggy viewpoints – I’ve done so many UK walks like that, amused by the viewpoint signs and strategically placed benches looking at nothing at all! I hope you get to see the actual view one day. #countrykids
Ha! Yes, I can imagine you’ve experienced the fog in that case. Certainly gives a different outlook.
I’m sure there are some awesome views there when it’s not so foggy! 😉
Thanks for linking to #pocolo