Mupe

Like a large section of the Purbeck coast Mupe is only usually accessible at weekends and so holds an air of rarity in my mind. We've been here many times over the years, though far fewer than many of our other favourite walks. So any visit to Mupe is a rare treat. There are three routes to Mupe, around Lulworth Cove over its pebbly beach, along the hilly coast from Flowers Barrow or the direct route from Lulworth village over Bindon Hill; we chose the latter. The climb up Bindon is steep, but worthwhile as the views from the summit in each direction along the coast are glorious, even when being chased by a scouring chill wind as was present today. As a consequence of that chill wind though we didn't hang about aloft too long and quickly made our way down to Mupe. The geology of Mupe is confused. On the open bay side are Wealdon clays, whilst around Mupe Rocks and Bacon Hole the stratigraphy lays upturned at 45 degrees from horizontal having been put under some fantastic pressures back in time. The forces of the natural world never cease to provide wonders.  Huge slabs of limestone protrude out from the cliff, and out into the sea in the form of rocky islands and ledges. Between these slabs of solidity, the horizons are fragile, a mix of Wealdon clays and loose broken beds. This is particularly so in Bacon Hole.  At the far end of which, between two slabs of limestone where the softer horizons have been eroded, there's a smugglers cave where contraband was once hidden awaiting transit inland for dispersal. Mupe Rocks and Bacon Hole are rugged places, full of natural energy, wild places even on a fine day and frightening places in foul weather. It should be noted that the fragile nature of some of the geology means vigilance and care are required, but whatever the conditions a visit is always rewarding.