South West Coast Path | FindPenguins

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Trip start
June 22, 2017
South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
An up and down week
June 22, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
This last weeks walking has had its highs and lows. Some days we should have walk. Hot weather, mediocre scenery and difficult walking conditions. We though walking on soft sand was difficult but walking on shingles (pebbles) was twice as hard.
I am trying out this site and hope it won't be too difficult for you yo access.
Today's rest day in Weymouth is most welcome.Read more
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
Lulworth Cove to Weymouth
June 26, 2017 in England ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
After our rest day we left early to catch transport to The Cove. There we had breakfast and headed off on a blustery day. Shirl being 20 kegs less than me was blown all over the place. Fortunately we had the wind in our face because she would have been blown face first down the cliffs. A tough, difficult but very enjoyable day with spectacular scenery. Durdle Door and the most photographed sign on the path, Scratchy Bottom. The first 2 hours gave us a good work out before the terrain gradually lessened for our arrival in Weymouth.
With this new site I can only post 6 photos.Read more
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
Portland/Dorchester
June 26, 2017 in England ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
On leaving Weymouth for Dorchester we planned to go to Portland with the intention of walking around the island. We caught the bus and were going to get off at Fortuneswell. 1.25hrs later , still on the bus we arrived back in Weymouth. A sea mist enveloped the island and we didn't see anything to arouse our interest.
Dorchester looks an interesting place to look around. We shall see. It was a Roman town with some remains still visible.Read more
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
Dorchester
June 26, 2017 in England ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
The old roman town of Durnovaria is quite an interesting town to ramble around. The first human inhabitants appeared in 4000BC. So it has a rich history. There are 4 walks that explore its history. A Roman town walk, a Thomas Hardy walk, a Town and River walk and A Gallows walk. We did all four. Of interest to us was the Borough Gardens which is one of the finish in the country and contains an ornate Victorian clock and bandstand and has won the prestigious green flag award for the last 4 years (don't know what that is.
The Maumbury rings (constructed as a Neolithic henge over 4500 years ago and made into an amphitheatre by the Romans. All that exists today is a grass amphitheatre.
Fans of Thomas Hardy will no doubt be interested in The Mayor of Casterbridges's House.
Of interest to us was the Tom Roberts plaque. Who was born here and was a acclaimed Australian landscape painter.
The walk along the Mill Stream was a delight. Swans, cygnets,ducks and ducklings in a beautiful setting.
An interesting day.
We finished with a visit to the Old Oak Tea Room. This is where the supporters of the Duke of Monmouth attempt to seize the crown in 1685 were tried and convicted. 74 were executed, 175 were transported to the Caribbean virtually as slaves. The tea and cake were enjoyed as we surveyed the room were they were tried.Read more
Betty Freemanlovely pictures - check your spelling brian!!!
7/1/17Reply
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
The final walk on the SWCP
June 26, 2017 in England ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Tonight we are in Swanage after our final walk on the SWCP. We travelled from Dorchester and took the bus out to South Haven Point which is the end of the walk. Here we took photos of the End sculpture and then made our way to Swanage. Highlights were Harry's Rocks, a curly haired pig and the Pinnacles. A gentle walk with no severe ups and downs and a good final day.
Tomorrow we head of to Bournemouth to pick up a car and visit Winchester, Beryl in Marsh Baldon, see Ronnie,Beryl and Darren in Liverpool, pick up new boots in Richmond and visit Habib and Christine before ending up in Glasgow.Read more
Denein RandelIs Darren back in Liverpool?
6/28/17Reply
Denein RandelOops - that was Craig's question not mine as I don't know who Darren is. 😇
6/28/17Reply
TravelerHi Brian and Shirley, the pictures look lovely. Enjoy your trip! Cheers from family Storz
7/3/17Reply
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
Winchester
June 29, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
We left the SWCP behind and travelled to Bournemouth by bus which goes by ferry across Poole Harbour.
Our hire car is a Renault Captur, diesel, and is a nice car to drive.
The forecast rain did not arrive until late afternoon so we were able to reconnoitre the town before heading indoors.
Winchester was the capital of England in Anglo-Saxon times and it does not let you forget it. It's prior Roman history is barely mentioned. King Alfred the Great built a castle here, of which only the Great Hall remains. Did you know that King Arthur,s round table is suspended on one of the walls? No one can prove or disprove it. It brings the punters in.Read more
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
The Cathedral
June 29, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
We wandered around town before we went to join an escorted tour of the Cathedral. Very informative.
July 17 marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen death. She was buried in the Cathedral and naturally, it intends to make the most of it. Close by are the remains of King Canute. You remember him sitting on his throne trying to stop the tide coming in.
During the English Civil War the Parliamentary troops smashed windows around the Cathedral. The broken glass was collected by the locals and the West Window was made from the broken bits.
From the photo of the nave and quire you can see its beauty.
The Cathedral is one of the great churches of the UK and a great pleasure for us to visit. An added pleasure for Shirl was an exhibition of the Winchester Bible.
After a good Italian lunch we strolled around the town visiting all its highlights. A very enjoyable day.Read more
TravelerMy nephew Adam had his university graduation in the Cathedral and we dined at that little restaurant (Oct 2015) - lovely memories.
7/9/17Reply
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
Onward to Scotland
July 2, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
From Winchester we drove up the road to Marsh Baldon.
There were formally 6 Baldons. Upper Baldon,Lower Baldon and Baldon in Between, Marsh Baldon, Toot Baldon and Baldon on the Green. Sadly only Marsh, Toot and Upper now exist.
Our friend Beryl's family have lived in these villages for over 300 years. One Pub, a church and the village green and a collection of houses. No Noise. Peaceful.
On Friday we went to see her daughter in law's funfare. Each year from May to October they tour the local villages. And the crowds still flock up. A piece of local history.
We saw a calf being born in the field behind Beryl's garden and watched its first staggering steps. Fresh veggies from a locals allotment. !
Yes they do taste different.
The drive to Liverpool was uneventful and I was surprised there was no congestion around Birmingham.
Beryl, Ronnie and Darren are all well and we spent the time here gossiping and visiting the renewal of the city centre.Read more
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
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Liverpool
July 6, 2017 in England ⋅ 🌫 13 °C
The expected delays around Birmingham didn't eventuate so we had a good drive to Liverpool. Here we spent 3 days seeing family. Beryl, Ronnie, Darren and his friend Zona. It was great to catch up.
On our second day we all met in town and toured all the new developements after lunch. Liverpool has made great progress after being the UK's city of culture some years ago and redevelopment is still taking place.
Beryl wanted us to see the oldest pub in town, The Philamonic. It still has the original urinal from 1853 and the smell there dates from that period.Read more
Traveler Auntie Shirley looks great ! am back on a diet 😂😂 x
7/14/17Reply
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
New Boots
July 6, 2017 in England ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
We left Liverpool early for our trip to Richmond in North Yorkshire where we picked up our new boots at Alt Berg.
It was 12deg when we left and crossing the moors it drop to 8deg with rain.
At Alt Berg our boots were ready and they fitted really well.
From Richmond we headed down and across to Bridlington. There was a deviation on the A1 and the GPS and I did not have a clue where we were. I retraced me steps and followed a truck and bingo we were back on track. Nothing from the GPS as it was a new road. It sorted itself out and we arrived at Christine and Habib's about 2 pm.
After lunch we went to Sewerby village and walked along the cliff tops onto the Esplanade in Bridlington. A lovely walk.Read more
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
Bridlington
July 6, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
We visited many places during our stay with C & H.
The first day we visited a Sail windmill, at Skidby, still in , working order.
Gee they worked hard in those days. Very interesting to see the old machines and how heavy the were.
From there we headed to Hull, the 2017 Uk Cultural City.
Very impressed with all the redevelopement going on.
A lovelyMinster, being renovated, with great gardens and many fine old buildings.
In the evening we had dinner at the Triton Inn in Sledmere.
I had my favourite lamb shanks. Great meal and evening.
.Read more
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
Bridlington continued
July 8, 2017 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
We had a busy , but great, day for our final day. First off we visited Pickering market town. Here the church had my favourite saint, St Sebastian. Full of arrows he wears a calm expression. "Is that the best you can do?"
The town also has a steam train ride to Goathland (Aidensfield in Heartbeat TV series) and Whitby.
Then on to Hemsley with its castle ruins, an old fashioned sweet shop,!a beautiful market town.
The abbey ruins st Rievault , situated in a valley, was an impressive sight.
From there we headed to another market town, Malton.
The day ended with a lovely meal at The Seabird in Flamborough.Read more
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
Glasgow
July 8, 2017 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Due to major roadworks on the A1(M) the journey to Glasgow took longer than expected.
We returned the car and finalised our Southern Upland Way walk.
The weather was sunny and it looked like all of Glasgow was on the main shopping Mall, Buchanan Street, enjoying a fine day. It reminded us of Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Lots of artists and music.
There was a local band, The Clannards, who I thought was good. I took a video but on this blog I cannot download.
A sand sculpture of a dog caught our attention as around.Read more
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
Glasgow
July 9, 2017 in Scotland ⋅ 🌧 13 °C
In contrast to yesterday today is cold,wet & miserable. Still, like other tourists we ventured out visiting the Cathedral, which is like the weather.
We took shelter in the oldest house in Glasgow. Built in 1471 for the Bishop. Banged my head a few times.
Our next shelter was a cafe which sold flat whites. Very modern.
The artwork on the side of buildings is quite impressive and I have included a few examples.
Defeated by the weather we retired to the hotel drenched.Read more
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South West Coast Path Brian Gallagher
Portpatrick
July 10, 2017 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
The journey from Glasgow by train and bus was different. From Stranraer the train was on a single track with bushes and trees either and we were literally train bush bashing.
Portpatrick is the starting point for the Southern Upland Way which is the longest Scottish walk at 341 kms. Our hotel overlooks the Irish Sea, but we cannot see Ireland.
Tomorrow we start the walk with some long sections of +30km stages. Thankfully our bags are being carried. Wimps again.
Sandi reckons we don't need to carry water we just open our mouths, as it rains a lot.
Our hotel is the blue oneRead more
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Trip end
July 10, 2017