So the roller coaster that’s the Coast Path continued this morning, at least for the first 3+ miles. Right from the get-go there was a huge, cobble-stoned track reaching heavenward – as my ankle tendons hadn’t yet healed completely I turned around and walked backwards for about a third of the way.

Eventually cresting the top, the path led steeply (of course) down to Durdle Door, the famous rock arch.

It was extremely blustery today and I was thankful for my poles for keeping me balanced and my pack’s weight for keeping me grounded! I truly think I would have toppled otherwise.

The evidence of past landslides/landslips was also apparent today. Many obviously happened decades/centuries ago as vegetation has retaken the surface but it’s a real concern cliff walkers and beach goers!

By 7 miles I reached Osmington Mills and timed it perfectly for lunch at the famous 13thC Smugglers Inn. It was bright and freshly scrubbed on the inside, only the low ceilings gave any hint to its age.

The last 4+ miles were easy trekking: sometimes along the exposed cliff edge, sometimes behind a hedgerow of blooming gorse and blackthorn, and finally on a concrete promenade for 1.5 miles to my BnB.