Low Int Lulworth Cove 17-20 April
with Barbara B

17th April

Rain, wind, mist and finally sun! We gathered at Cromwell House Hotel in Lulworth Cove on Thursday afternoon in sunshine but with a strong wind blowing. Some of the group had already walked to the Cove or up to Stair Hole or Durdle Door and reported back that it was extremely windy! As women arrived, we gathered in the sunshine on the terrace for tea. Later we all met for drinks and supper. The food was very good - a new Chef in the Hotel was welcomed very enthusiastically. He prepared fresh trout with almond butter for most of the group and chicken breast stuffed with ricotta and spinach for the rest - delicious. One or two of the group then stayed in the dining room to hear a lecture from a visiting teacher on the 'interest of living on an asymmetrical anticline' which they reported was fascinating. Others in the group took their coffees into the lounge or enjoyed an early night.

18th April

Friday morning dawned damp and misty so we donned our wet weather gear, gathered our lunches and set off up through the village into the fields and up onto the ridge (2679). The bluebells were abundant in the woods and along the drovers path. Despite the mist the countryside looked lovely and it sparked some discussion on Thomas Hardy, who lived and had written in the area - which is his best novel? We stopped in the best cover we could find for a quick break and then followed the Winfrith Drove down past the farm and some young calves. Christine, our dairy farmer from Canada, assured us this was the healthiest way to care for young cattle. We walked through the village of Winfrith and out along the road to East Chaldon before heading up into the valley to Daggers Gate. We stopped for a quick lunch in the most sheltered spot we could find but it was cold, wet and windy so we did not stop for long. The path then took us up to Daggers Gate and on up through the caravan park to Hambury Tout for our first view of the coastline. The final path took us down the village and into the Beach Café for a very welcome cup of tea and excellent cakes. After hot showers and baths we then met again for drinks and a super dinner of grilled plaice with lime butter, lamb shank or a bean casserole. One or two of us had a final walk to the Cove before bed and books.

19th April

Saturday morning arrived with thick mist depriving us of the usual magnificent views. Not to be daunted, we togged up and set off west along the coastal path. We didn't stop much as it was cold but kept marching until we reached St Catherine's church at Holworth where we took refuge and ate our lunch. The church is tiny and seats 24 but it has a beautiful etched window by Whistler and is a charming sanctuary. Refreshed but still damp we set off up the hill towards White Nothe through vibrant gorse which provided just about the only colour in the day. We finally reached Durdle Door still smiling but cold and wet and carried on back to the village to warm up. Some of us treated ourselves to a cream tea at the Hotel and a look through the WalkingWomen brochure. Once we had warmed up we met for our final drinks and dinner - fish pie or beouf bourgignonne and delicious desserts. A quick walk to the Cove for some, scrabble for others and reading in a warm bed for all!

20th April

Most of our clothing and boots dried overnight but we were thrilled to feel a hint of sunshine on Sunday morning! Boots were brushed and jackets shaken before we set off east from the village. Rosemarie decided not to walk with us but to meet us at the Fossil Forest. We climbed up to the coastal path and could, at last, begin to enjoy the views. We followed the path onto the Ranges where Christine, Martine, Helen and Harry the dog took the shorter route to the Fossil Forest as they had early trains to catch. We said our farewells and continued our walk through the Ranges enjoying the breeze and the sunshine and the views. We then cut back and took the path down to Mupes Bay which looked spectacular before heading along the coastal path to the Fossil Forest. We climbed down onto the ledge to see the Forest at first hand. Evidence of 135 million year old trees is clear to see and astonishing. We then climbed back to the path and walked to the end of the Cove before walking down onto the beach and meeting up with Rosemarie. We sat and ate lunch in the sunshine before heading back round the beach to the Hotel. Maggie very nobly carried a sack of rubbish back to the village as part of a clean up project running on the beach on Sunday. We then packed up and said our farewells before starting our journeys home. Although the weather had been pretty awful the group were great and we had lots of fun, good conversations and laughter. Perfect!

Women's Feedback

"It was very enjoyable. My room-mate and the rest of the group were friendly and supportive and the walking was as expected. Yes the hotel was comfortable with plenty of relaxation space and the meals were excellent as were the staff. The only complaint was that our attic room though supplied with wardrobe and drawers and a comfortable bed, did not have an ounce more space for extra belongings. Barbara's choice of walks and her knowledge of the footpaths and terrain were excellent and she tried to make sure that the group kept together at all times. She was always positive, thoughtful and caring. Thank you for all the organisation that went into making a very successful break."

"It was avery enjoyable holiday and especially interesting as it was for me the first one with WalkingWomen that wasn't based in the Lakes. No problems at all, even with rather hostile weather on two days, brilliant sunshine on the last morning when it was really needed. Extremely happy, the hotel was friendly and comfortable and the chef a miracle-worker who could produce twelve different varieties of the breakfast menu to order. Barbara was perfect. Knowledgeable about the whole area, very considerate, calm even when some of us committed the sin of losing sight of the guide, organising much appreciated wine at dinner. I was particularly grateful for a lift to Wool station and left-over sandwiches. We needed a geologist in the party but one can't have everything!" Celia

"Very much enjoyed the holiday, very interesting and pleasant group of people. Walking excellent on day 1, dropped out for day 2 due to old injury and bad weather. Barbara was excellent to walk with - recognised needs of each individual and made the whole stay special. Very friendly hotel staff and relaxed atmosphere. Wonderful food. Very good choice of walks and guiding. Barbara made sure we all got to know each other and was also an excellent hostess. Loved having Helen's dog, Harry, with us on the walks. Pity about the weather - even WW can't fix that! 3rd WW holiday - roll on the next one!" Maggi

"It has been a thoroughly enjoyable holiday. Yet again the company has been very good, a nice mice mix of walkers. The hotel is very comfortable and the food has been exceptional. The weather has been poor, lots of rain and a cold wind but the walks have been well organised and at the right pace. Barbara is great and a good leader and the main reason we booked this holiday. Accommodation was excellent - food very good and loads of it. Staff very attentive. Barbara is lovely and made a wet weekend very enjoyable." Penny

"Excellent, lovely part of the country. Great walks not too taxing, fab scenery. Shame about the rain! Accommodation good. Comfortable beds, excellent food, particularly the evening meal. Very friendly staff. Barbara, as always was great. A good time had by all!" Rowena

"Very enjoyable despite inclement weather and a problem with my knee which restricted my walking after the first day. Didn't know this particular bit of Dorset at all - really lovely countryside. Room a bit on the small side but OK nevertheless. Problem with the heating was fixed immediately. Staff very friendly and helpful and food excellent. Barbara was friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable about the area. She chose some lovely walks which seemed to suit everyone. An excellent 'hostess'. This was by far the best group I've been with. Everyone gelled very quickly and everyone socialised with everyone else. A lovely mix of ages and backgrounds, which made for some interesting conversations!" Rosemarie

"Very nice. Walks were good - some up and down and some nice long flat parts with good views. Yes, hotel was good, food excellent. Very good - well looked after. Range of abilities in the group but no pressure to speed up - although the rainy weather kept us going at a good pace with fewer stops. Nice group - really enjoyed myself." Christine

"Enjoyed it very much. Walking was a real pleasure, group was fantastically well spirited and funny. The only problem is that I do not want them to finish. *** accommodation and meals (I will come back). Barbara was charming and knows what she is doing. Can you include her on all your walks please! Maybe include one lecture on geology where people could learn more about this region." Martine

"As always a most enjoyable experience. I've had most enjoyable walks and met some very interesting people. Barbara was excellent and great fun. Accommodation excellent. I was lucky enough to have a singe ensuite with a sea view. Staff friendly and efficient. Food, especially evening meal, very good indeed. The chef is to be congratulated. Barbara looked after us all very well. We were a mixed group, including some very able walkers and slower ones and Barbara responded well to all our needs. She also kept our spirits up in rather inclement conditions! A scrabble game and dictionary would be a welcome addition to the lounge at Cromwell House Hotel." Jennifer

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