Chapman's Poole to Kimmeridge Bay

Years ago a good friend of mine finished or rather was dumped by his girl friend so to distract him self he suggested that we (cut a long story short here) go to Canada for a couple of months.
As part of this Tundra mission we brushed up on our skiing, bought lots of new gear and went on weekend treks to get into hiking with big loads again. This hike was the first. It's relatively short, about 8 miles but tough especially with a big pack. There's lots of mud on the wrong day, steep hills and arduous steps. It's not far but fairly technical which is why we chose it. Anyway that was nearly 30years ago and I loved it so much I've been back to retrace my steps many, many times.

THE STEPS OF UNNUMBERED TEARS.
BLOODY TOUGH FIRST THING IN THE MORNING AND ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE TO BACK FOR A DROPPED GLOVE!

To this day the steps right at the beginning of the hike still worry me. Another friend who came with me once, passed-out at the top and took a good hour to recover. I've got to the top and nearly been sick before but that's all part of the fun of it right?

THE BEST VIEW OF CHAPMANS POOL WORTH THE CLIMB.

All worth it though as at the top the view of Chapmans Pool is outstanding. On warm summers days pleasure cruisers and small boats of all types will moor and their occupants will take a dip. It's a favourite of spear fisherman as well.

GOT TO LOOK OVER THE EDGE.

"YEP" BLOODY HIGH!

This is the Jurassic coast, a world heritage site and nature reserve but at the right time of year and with the right permits, good fishing can be had.

CLIFFTOP BUGOUT

BREW-UP WITH A VIEW.

BREW-UP WITH EVEN MORE VIEW.

A MUG OF GUNFIRE!

The walk from here to Kimmeridge is fun. As described early it is technical but only about 3 miles and on the approach one is treated to the most excellent view of the Bay.

ONWARD AND FURTHER UP THE COAST LOOKING BACK TO CHAIRMANS POOL.

A steep Tight single track takes you down to sea level and the stony, pebble, fossil strewn beach with plenty of benches, shelves, ledges and all manner of local names for very large very flat rocks for one to park their arse and pitch a brew-up.

TIGHT OVERGROWN SINGLE TRACK DOWN TO KIMMERIDGE BAY

KIMMERIDGE BAY AND GUESS WHAT? BREW-UP.

From the bay it's inland and across a mix of fields all plowed and ready to spring into life. At the end of this section you will find yourself in Kimmeridge village. A strange place, not much there but a: shop come gastro restaurant, thatched and slate roofed cottages that for the most part, actually seem to be lived in and a big brand new fossil museum?? At the head of the village is a small wrought iron gate that takes you into the grave yard of the little village church. This is a favourite place for me to site and rest a while before the next leg.

DELPHIE FALLS

THE FOOT OF DELPHIE WATERFALL REALLY PRETTY.

Once you have climbed a fairly steep, rough "n" ready green lane to the top of the hill, you get a fantastic view of the Jurassic coast, Kimmeridge Bay and on a clear day Portland in the distance.

TAKING IN WHAT I JUST DID

From here you are heading home across rolling fields popular with cows, sheep, hares, dog walkers, hikers and mountain bikers all enjoying an easy access to the road and car park, which is probably why this bit was so busy.

KINGSTON CHURCH, ONE MEAN ARSE LOOKNG BUILDING.

Then it is a simple and easy tab along a quite road to the village of Kingston.

I have things to say about Kingston.

As I child I remember people living there, I remember a village shop, a small bakery and a post office these are gone and converted to holiday lets and second homes. A busy bustle little village at half term and summer holidays, every when else it's sad and deserted, like a pretty farmers daughter all dressed up and no one around to see.

Anyway that said the walk back to the car parked on a grass verge, at the end of a country lane and with a good view of the steps up to the cliff top, where the hike started is a pleasure, a nice cool down after this short but tough hike.

THE ROUTE

So there you have it, a short but tough hike. Muddy in the winter, concrete hard in the summer, steep hills and steps that are too far apart to be comfortable but that's it's charm, that and the views and I'll
always be back.

RELATED LINKS

The Scott Arms
Clavell's Cafe & Restaurant
The Museum of Jurassic Marine life
More about Kimmeridge

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