Swanage line

A steam train hurtles through a chilly January morning towards Corfe along the Swanage Line.

Climb out of Swanage

From Ballard Down we'd approached Swanage via the inland Whitecliff route and climbed out of Swanage up to Ballard Down via the coastal path this morning; a picturesque route with lovely views, and one that appears to have changed little in the decades I've known it. The first time I walked this route was on an ill fated camping mission at 14; a friend and I, enthusiastic though poorly equipped and prepared, had walked from Bournemouth to Swanage, had a disastrous camp amongst the old quarries above the town, and after spending our bus fare home on ciggies and chips, tired and weary, had trudged up this very path towards Ballard Down before descending to spend a cold night in the dunes followed by the first ferry across the harbour mouth. I learnt a lot of what not to do camping on those early camping trips. 

Dark harbour

The surf part of today's walk was along Studland Beach again, well, what other beach would it be in the Purbecks. Hang on a minute though, that's not strictly true, Swanage has a lovely beach too, more your traditional seaside beach though, and there are plenty of smaller beaches snuggled in coves below the rugged cliffs of the Jurassic Coast. That said, the dune backed expanse of Studland, with its undeveloped broad open sandy beach is unique. The walking, as you'd imagine, was glorious, the sea air sweet in your lungs, young Bel warming your face, and hardly a soul amongst the dunes. What was noticeable though, was the dark menacing clouds approaching from the west, although they were still well in the distance. As luck would have it we made it back to the ferry just as said clouds rolled over the harbour and darkness descended.  Lady Luck had smiled on us today.

Swange Protection Camp

It's amazing what a group of folk, many of whom didn't know each other, can get achieved in pursuit of a cause they all think worthy. Today we spent the day at the Swanage Protection Camp in Purbeck, building a pallet shelter for the on site protectors. By sunset most of the structure was complete, four walls, wooden floor and a board roof, all ready to be clad in tarps. It was an uplifting experience. 

Here's a link to the protection camp page, if you can and if you want to, please show them what ever support you can and that their actions to protect this beautiful environment are appreciated. If you pass that way you could pop in and show them your support in person, I know you'd be welcomed.