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The one with the iconic arch, ice cream delights, and a cheeky swim for some.
? Location: Durdle Door, Dorset ? Miles: 4 miles ?️ Weather: Perfect walking weather, with the sun shining and a refreshing cool breeze to keep us comfortable.HIGHLIGHTS: ? 8:05 am – I arrive at Lulworth Cove and manage to park near the church, dodging the steep £20 parking fee. It’s about half a mile to the starting point, which gives me a chance to warm up before the walk begins. With time to spare (the group isn’t meeting until 8:45am), I wander down to the beach in search of the loos and a much-needed hot coffee. While I’m there, I indulge in a cheeky sausage bap to fuel up for the morning hike ahead. ? 9:00 am – Everyone’s arrived—well, 14 of us are here, while four had to drop out due to other commitments or illness. With that, we’re off! ? 9:26 am – The first part of the walk takes us through a charming wooded section. The tall trees create a peaceful, sheltered path, and it feels like we’re walking through a storybook forest. I’m tail walking again, which I always find challenging because I tend to drift towards the front, chatting with others. Today, though, there’s not much risk of anyone getting lost. The trail is straightforward, with long, open stretches, but we still stay close together on the steeper descents, which demand a bit more caution.
? 10:13 am – After weaving through fields and walking along the dramatic cliff edges, I take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this coastline. The water below is an incredible mix of bright blue and deep navy, with the darker shades hinting at the rocks beneath and the clouds above. The sea breeze adds to the energy of the place—there’s something truly revitalising about the fresh air and stunning views.
? 10:15 am – We arrive at Durdle Door, the iconic natural limestone arch that draws visitors from all over. To our surprise, it’s not too crowded, and the area feels peaceful. Katie and Lou share stories of how the spot was overrun and trashed during the pandemic, a stark contrast to the calm scene we see today. Even though it’s forbidden to climb on the arch, we spot a few daring (and rule-breaking) figures atop it.
? 10:35 am – After capturing the obligatory photos of Durdle Door, some in the group decide to brave the waters for a quick swim, while others head up the steep path to find a coffee with a view. I can’t resist the climb and the promise of caffeine.
☕️ 10:55 am – Coffee in hand, we start the descent back to Lulworth Cove. The walk back feels just as rewarding, and we’re greeted by Martin and Claire at the finish. Before leaving, I treat myself to an embroidered Durdle Door patch for my growing collection, and we all gather by the ice cream shop to enjoy a refreshing scoop of something sweet.
? 11:30 am – We say our goodbyes with hugs all around, especially to Lou, who has kept us safe and guided us through this amazing adventure. Thank you, Lou! Now, it’s time for the 5-hour journey home on this Bank Holiday Monday. Wish us luck! ?