Today we will be driving 130 miles along the Dorset coast and into Devon. The distance is a little more than we had originally planned, as we decided to visit Portland Bill early this morning, rather than yesterday evening. The clocks also went back today, so we made an early start soon after sunrise.
Photo of the day
The cliffs at Sidmouth.
Weymouth
An early Sunday morning stop at Weymouth Beach, and someone was already going for a swim in the sea. Looks chilly.Weymouth’s Drawbridge in the old town harbour.We were the only people walking around the historic harbour on this very quiet Sunday morning.We stopped next at Nothe Fort, but it hadn’t opened yet for the day, so we drove on to Sandsfoot Castle. The castle had been completed in 1541 by Henry VIII to defend against attacks from the French and Spanish.
Isle of Portland
After a quick stop at Portland Castle at the bottom of the hill, we continued on to The Olympic Rings Stone Sculpture. There were great views across Weymouth and Chesil Beach stretching west as far as the eye could see.Portland Bill’s current working lighthouse at the tip of the Isle.The previous Old Higher Lighthouse, over a hedge and across fields at the top of Branscombe Hill……and its sister, the Old Lower Lighthouse.
Chesil Beach
Driving back to the mainland, we drove along the edge of Chesil Beach (AKA Chesil Bank), that we had seen from the Olympic Rings. The 18 mile long shingle beach is one of the largest in Britain.
Abbotsbury
Driving inland, almost parallel to Chesil Beach, through rolling green fields towards Abbotsbury Abbey.Looking back-down to Chesil Beach, past cows enjoying the lush grass.As we continued along the coastal road between Abbotsbury and Swyre, we had far-reaching views west along the Jurassic Coast.
West Bay
The distinctively coloured East Cliffs, close to where one of West Bay’s original fishing harbour’s lay. The rich colour of the cliffs was caused by the oxidation of pyrite.The remains of the old trainline and station, now a cafe.
Seatown
A lone boat on Seatown’s pebble beach.
Charmouth
A busy lunchtime at Charmouth, as beach walkers enjoyed the views towards the Golden Cap.
Lyme Regis
Views from The Cobb across Sandy Beach. Lyme Regis was absolutely packed with tourists, we were really lucky to find a parking space.
Beer
Leaving Dorset behind, we continued into Devon. After driving through Seaton, we made our next stop at the quaint little fishing village of Beer. It was surprisingly quiet. Perhaps everyone had gone to Lyme Regis for the day?!Fishing boats resting on their day-off under the white chalk cliffs.
Sidmouth
The bright red Triassic cliffs of Sidmouth, glowing as the sun shone through a break in the clouds.Collecting donations for the local lifeboat, but looking a little odd…
Budleigh Salterton
More luminous red cliffs surrounding Budleigh Salterton’s bay and pebble beach.
Exmouth
Looking into the sun across the River Exe to Dawlish Warren from Exmouth Beach.
Cockwood
We continued our journey by looping north to cross the River Exe near Exeter. We then drove back down the west side of the Exe before stopping briefly at Cockwood Harbour.
Dawlish
A giant pink elephant towering above one of the funfair rides at Dawlish Warren.Exmouth beyond Dawlish Warren Beach and the River Exe.
Teignmouth
The sun starting to set as we arrived at Teignmouth Pier and Beach.
Shaldon
Regatta boats neatly lined up on Shaldon Beach, with Teignmouth in the background on the other side of the River Teign.Shaldon was a lovely little fishing village to potter around, with its cosy lanes and Georgian cottages.
Torquay
Entering Torbay, we made our first stop at Thatcher Point, overlooking Thatcher Rock, and over to Brixham and Berry Head in the distance. Julian already knew Torbay well, as his parents and grandparents previously had homes there.As the clocks had gone back today, the evening light faded early. So we made our final stop of the day in Torquay Harbour before driving to Paignton for the night.
One thought on “Day 42 – Weymouth to Paignton”
Has that swimmer got any clothes on ?
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