When I moved to the south-west in 1993, I thought I knew it all – the only attractive parts of Britain were West Scotland, the Lakes, North Wales, and maybe the Pennines if you were desperate.
Swyre Head is 664 feet above sea level, the highest point of Dorset’s Purbeck Hills. It overlooks the finest of the Purbeck Coast, with wonderful views further to Poole Harbour, the Isle of Portland and the Isle of Wight.
Swyre Head has the further distinction of being in my back garden. Well not quite, but to get there I just head up my street to where the road turns into bridleway, and keep pedaling (uphill). Tonight I was airing my new bike, bought after the old one died embarrassingly last week, literally falling apart Keystone Kops-style.
Looking west, you see the curve of Weymouth Bay around to the wedge-like profile of the Isle of Portland.
Yes, I know this is a terrible photo. But the white object is St Catherine’s Point lighthouse, 35 miles away to the east on the southernmost tip of the Isle of Wight. Incidentally, some paddlers from over that way have been good enough this week to write a review of ‘South West Sea Kayaking’.
West, the Black Tower of Kimmeridge Bay is now nearly rebuilt.
To the south-east, the big tide race of St Albans Head is overlooked by the Coastwatch lookout and the ancient chapel.
These days, I’m not quite so sure that I know it all.
Great photos.
I’ve been thinking where I’d like to move to in the SW, Cornwall, Devon or Dorset, well you’ve sold me on the Purbecks.
I’ve only got to find an elusive IT job in the area or wait 15 years to retire.
Nevwe been kayaking in Dorset, but it looks great.