Chapmans Pool to Dancing ledge

 

The wind took you by surprise as you approached the ridge above Chapmans Pool. The wind coming in from the west scrapes across Emmetts Hill, a chill wind which reminds you of how mild the winter has been as you're taken a back by its deep chill. Westwards the coast is fringed in white foam created by forceful waves.  There was evidence of several cliff slippages, where fresh rock and soil had cascaded into the scrub below. The path was slick with viscus mud, it did not feel safe as your feet frequently slipped from below you.

From St Albans head looking West, back towards Emmetts Hill and beyond to Swyres Head and then Flowers Barrow on the horizon.  The view was beautiful, time for another slack jawed repose moment.

Although the sea hadn't appear too rough, looking East from St Albans Head you could see waves crashing against the limestone cliffs in the distance, waves hitting with such force that on occasion they nearly sent spray up and onto the headland. As with Emmetts Hill the path towards Winspit was slick, if not slicker.  The path is narrow here with only a brief, steep grass verge before sheer cliff and after several scary slips there was no alternative than to get off the path and into the adjacent field. Level safe walking was acquired. I passed a large group of walkers who'd stayed on the path, it looked slow and arduous going; with their looks of envy and comments on my choice of path, I knew I'd made the right decision. 

Getting closer to the sea at Winspit you could now see how rough the sea was.  Well, it wasn't really rough, the sea didn't boil or anything, more that strong bands of wave were regularly hitting the coast. These waves turned to spray upon crashing the hard rocks and in turn filled the air with damp mists.  I wonder how it must have been here during the height of the recent storms, it must have been a terrifying sight to behold.

Climbing the hillside beyond Seacombe and through some rough scrub we came upon an unusual dry stone feature tucked away in a dip in the hillside. Just below the ridge of the hill and well hidden is a sub oval dry stone building (?), a meter and a half high, open for most of the inland side and with a built in stone seat at one end. The stone work is clean and well formed, and although it looks very recent it appears on Google Earth and so has been here for at least 6 years. It's probably been there for years and its position and the elements have kept it looking brand new.  There were old earthworks about the summit of the hill, and with scrub, I think this could be a good spot for a wild camp.

Eventually we reached the hilltop above Dancing Ledge, I remembered how wet it was last time I visited and therefore forewent a trip down to the quarry.  Instead we turned inland to take the, flat and firm under foot, Priests Way back to Worth.  Lovely walk was had.