Tag: Pier

Day 49 – Bridgwater to Cardiff

Day forty-nine!!  YES!!  That means we will complete our entire loop of mainland Britain’s coast today.  We are both feeling super excited!

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Royal Sands and Uphill, Driving on the beach, Julian, Jarno, Thumbs up
Driving on Uphill Beach

 

Burnham-on-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Burnham-on-Sea, Burnham on Sea Motor Boat and Sailing Club, River Brue, Sunrise
From Bridgwater we made our first coastal stop of the day at Burnham-on-Sea.  As we arrived the sun was just rising over the local sailing club & the mouth of the River Brue.
Coastal Road Trip, Burnham-on-Sea, Mural, Street Art, Seaside scene
The sailing club walls, with the colourful Burnham-on-Sea mural detracting from the security atop!
Coastal Road Trip, Burnham-on-Sea, Beach, Low Lighthouse
The warm morning light gave Burnham-on-Sea’s beach a deep bronze glow, contrasting with the bright white Low Lighthouse…
Coastal Road Trip, Burnham-on-Sea, High Lighthouse, Somerset
…and behind that, the High Lighthouse was towering above Burnham-on-Sea’s coastal houses.

 

Berrow

Coastal Road Trip, Berrow, St Mary's Church
Just outside Burnham-on-Sea, the 13th century St Mary’s Church at Berrow.   As we wandered around, we realised the church had flood protection…
Coastal Road Trip, Berrow, Golf Club, River Parrett, Hinkley Point Power Station
…as we walked behind the church, we realized why.  Just the low-lying Burnham and Berrow Golf Course were separating it from Berrow Beach and the Bristol Channel.  In the distance you can also just make out Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station, an area that we skipped at the end of yesterday’s journey.
Coastal Road Trip, Berrow, Beach, Warning, Sinking Sand
We tiptoed down Berrow Beach.
Coastal Road Trip, Berrow, Beach, Groyne Posts, Longshore drift prevention
Groyne posts lined (fairly) neatly down the beach.  There’s always one annoying one out of place 😉
Coastal Road Trip, Berrow, Beach, Fisherman, Brean Down
A solitary fisherman was patiently fishing in rather rough and chocolaty brown looking sea.  Brean Down and its Fort in the background.

 

Brean Down

Coastal Road Trip, Brean Down, National Trust, Julian, Jarno, Bristol Channel, Windy
Driving past many static caravans hugging the coast, we arrived at the National Trust’s Brean Down.  Despite the sunshine it was very cold and windy at the top of the limestone peninsula.
Coastal Road Trip, Brean Down, Panorama, National Trust
Looking back inland along the ancient field system to Weston-super-Mare to the north and Berrow to the south.

 

Uphill

Coastal Road Trip, Royal Sands and Uphill, Beach, Kite Surfers, Weston-Super-Mare
On the northern side of Brean Down, after quite a detour inland, we arrived back at the coast at Uphill Beach, with Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier coming into view.  The beach was busy with kite-surfers.
Coastal Road Trip, Royal Sands and Uphill, Beach, Kite Surfer
Look how murky and churned-up that Bristol Channel water is!
Coastal Road Trip, Royal Sands and Uphill, Driving on the beach, Julian, Jarno, Thumbs up
Driving on Uphill Beach.  In the distance you can just about see Steep Holm island off Brean Down in the middle of the Bristol Channel.

 

Weston-super-Mare

Coastal Road Trip, Weston-super-Mare, Royal Sands, Beach, Beach Huts
Pastel coloured beach huts lining Royal Sands as we drove into Weston-super-Mare.
Coastal Road Trip, Weston-super-Mare, Grand Pier, Entrance
Driving alongside the seafront promenade past Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier entrance.  Like so many piers, it had been badly damaged by fire in 2008.  After a whopping £39-million restoration it was reopened two years later.
Coastal Road Trip, Weston-super-Mare, Birnbeck Pier, Abandoned
Meanwhile further along the seafront, the Birnbeck Pier was looking a little sorry for itself.  The closed and deteriorating pier is unique in that it links the mainland to an island (Birnbeck).
Coastal Road Trip, Weston-super-Mare, Birnbeck Pier, Abandoned, Close-up
There was a small cafe and information hut near the original pier entrance.  The volunteers explained the several regeneration attempts of the pier since it closed in 1994.  But so far sadly nothing has come to fruition.

 

Sand Bay

Coastal Road Trip, Sand Bay, Sand Point, National Trust
As we continued along the coast we stopped briefly at Sand Bay, with views north to the National Trust’s Sand Point.

 

Clevedon

Coastal Road Trip, Clevedon Pier, Heritage Trust
The rather elegant Clevedon Pier, originally opened in 1869 as a landing for ferries crossing the Severn Estuary to South Wales.

 

Portishead

Coastal Road Trip, Portishead, Battery Point Lighthouse, Esplanade Road
If you had mentioned Portishead to us before this trip, we would have thought you were talking about the 90’s band.  Anyway, it turns out the band Portishead was named after the place, and here we are!  The Battery Point Lighthouse at the end of the esplanade.
Coastal Road Trip, Portishead Quay Marina, Yachts, Apartments
Around the corner from Battery Point, we arrived at the surprisingly large and busy Portishead Quay Marina.

 

Tyntesfield House

Coastal Road Trip, Tyntesfield, National Trust, Wraxhall, Sunny, Blue sky
Before crossing over the River Severn, we decided to drive inland to another National Trust property, Tyntesfield House and Estate.  The Gibbs family had made their wealth in the guano trade (bird excrement fertiliser).  The Victorian Gothic mansion looked stunning in the afternoon sun.
Coastal Road Trip, Tyntesfield, Horse and Cart, Driveway, National Trust, North Somerset
A couple of handsome horses were pulling a cart up the estate driveway.

 

Severn Bridge

Coastal Road Trip, Severn Bridge, Looking up
As we drove back along A403 and the Severn Estuary, we struggled to see anything worth taking a picture of.  The area was mainly one long industrial estate.  So we continued on our way crossing over the Severn Bridge….
Coastal Road Trip, Welcome to Wales Sign, Croeso i Gymru
… and back into Wales (sorry a little blurry as we drove by).

 

Newport

Coastal Road Trip, Newport Wetlands, RSPB, East Usk Lighthouse
The north side of the estuary felt far more rural than the south.  After a few little dead-end detours, we finally made a stop near Uskmouth Power Station, for a short walk at the RSPB’s Newport Wetlands.   Although we didn’t see much bird-life today, we did see the East Usk Lighthouse peeping over the nature reserve.
Coastal Road Trip, Newport Wetlands, RSPB, Meadow
The afternoon sun briefly came out again, illuminating the wetland meadows.
Coastal Road Trip, Newport Transporter Bridge
As we crossed the River Usk, the unusual Newport Transporter Bridge came into view.  It was completed in 1906 based on a french design.  It solved the problem of crossing the fast Usk currents, enabled tall ships to pass under, and came in on budget.
Coastal Road Trip, Newport Transporter Bridge
The ‘ferry’ is cleverly suspended like a gondola from a high level boom, and can carry 6 cars and 120 people every 7.5 minutes.   OK that’s us geeked-out for the day 🙂

 

Tredegar House

Coastal Road Trip, Tredegar House, National Trust, Newport
Leaving Newport for Cardiff, we made our final National Trust country house stop at the Morgan family’s Tredegar House.  We have definitely squeezed every penny out of our National Trust membership on this coastal road trip 🙂  The volunteers were all in costume and the house was all decked out for Christmas inside, maybe a little too much.  It reminded us of our Christmas visit to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Florida a few years ago –  the decorations there were so OTT!

 

Cardiff

Coastal Road Trip, Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre, Outside
Our final stop of the day and road-trip!  Back in Cardiff Bay, we had celebratory cappuccino and a wander around the Wales Millennium Centre (AKA Canolfan Mileniwm Cymru).  The impressive arts and entertainment venue that was completed in 2009.
Coastal Road Trip, Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre, Inside, Stairwell
The centre’s sweeping staircase, one day we’ll have to come back for a performance.
Coastal Road Trip, Cardiff, Wales, Pierhead, Senedd, Julian, Jarno, Map, Completed Road-trip!
Yay!  We did it.  Back where we started 49-days ago!  That’s the entire British mainland coastal road trip completed.  What an amazing journey!  Go on, give it a go yourself… 🙂

 

Daily video

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 43 – Paignton to Plymouth

Wow!  The weather today was stunning for late October.  The freshness of the bright blue sky over Devon reminded us of the time we spent living in California, though Devon was a little colder 😉

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Wembury, Beach, Mill, National Trust, Stream, Sunset, Bay, Devon
Wembury Beach

 

Paignton

Coastal Road Trip, Paignton, Pier, Sunrise, Beach, Devon
Another early start as we watched the sunrise over Paignton Pier.
Coastal Road Trip, Paignton, Pier, Underneath, Sunrise, Beach, Devon
Taking a look under the 238 metre long pier.

 

Broadsands

Coastal Road Trip, Broadsands Beach, Torbay, Devon
Julian had many fond memories of Broadsands Beach, having spent many summers here as a kid.

 

Brixham

Coastal Road Trip, Brixham, Harbour, Golden Hind Museum Ship, Houses, Fishing Boats
As well as many working fishing boats, there was also an interesting replica of Sir Francis Drake’s The Golden Hind ship sitting in the harbour.
Coastal Road Trip, Brixham, Marina, Yachts, Boats
Brixham Marina.  William Prince of Orange and his Dutch army landed at Brixham in 1688 (the marina was built much later!).  Many locals still have Dutch surnames.
Coastal Road Trip, Breakwater, Lighthouse, Torbay
The lighthouse at the end of Brixham’s long breakwater, with Paignton Pier in the background.  The breakwater was great for a brisk walk and for its panoramic views across Torbay.

 

Berry Head

Coastal Road Trip, Berry Head, Brixham, Sharkham Point, St Mary's Bay
Driving along typically narrow Devon lanes, we arrived at Berry Head.  As it was a clear day, we had lovely views west past Sharkham Point and St Mary’s Bay.
Coastal Road Trip, Berry Head, Lighthouse, Brixham, Torbay
The lighthouse at Berry Head, the shortest lighthouse in Great Britain (6 metres), but also one of the highest above sea level (58 metres).
Coastal Road Trip, Berry Head, Brixham, Sharkham Point, St Mary's Bay, Compass Statue, Jarno
Jarno checking directions on Berry Head’s Compass.

 

Dartmouth

Coastal Road Trip, Dartmouth, Higher Ferry, Kingswear - Dartmouth
A short drive southwest took us to the River Dart, where we crossed from Kingswear to Dartmouth on the Higher Ferry.  Great timing too, as the ferry was just boarding as we arrived, so we drove straight on.
Coastal Road Trip, Dartmouth, Higher Ferry, Kingswear - Dartmouth, River Dart
Looking up the River Dart on the short ferry crossing.
Coastal Road Trip, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, Higher Ferry, Kingswear - Dartmouth, River Dart
The Britannia Royal Naval College sitting above Dartmouth.
Coastal Road Trip, Dart Marina, Dartmouth, River Dart, Devon
Plenty of yachts moored in the Dart Marina.
Coastal Road Trip, River Dart, Kingswear, White House, Castle Road, Boats
Driving along more narrow lanes took us to Dartmouth Castle, with stunning views across the Dart to some fabulous looking houses over at Kingswear.
Coastal Road Trip, Dartmouth Castle, Saint Petrox Church, River Dart, Kingswear
The 15th century Dartmouth Castle next to Saint Petrox Church, overlooking the mouth of the River Dart.
Coastal Road Trip, Castle Cove, Dartmouth Castle, Devon, Bridge
Looking down the steep cliffs to Castle Cove.

 

Blackpool Sands

Coastal Road Trip, Blackpool Sands, Slapton Sands, Devon, Blue Sky, Green Fields
A clear view across Start Bay past Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands.   We could hardly believe this was Devon at the end of October.
Coastal Road Trip, Blackpool Sands, Beach, Waves, Blue Sky, Pebbles
Waves crashing on Blackpool Sands.
Coastal Road Trip, Blackpool Sands, The Venus Cafe, Beach
Looks can be deceptive, it was actually pretty chilly whilst taking a break at The Venus Cafe.
Coastal Road Trip, Blackpool Sands, Bay, View from west, A379
Looking back down on Blackpool Sands as we continued our coastal drive.

 

Strete

Coastal Road Trip, Strete, Forest Cove, Sheep, Green Fields, Devon
Driving to Strete we passed sheep enjoying the autumn sunshine in the fields above Forest Cove.

 

Slapton Sands

Coastal Road Trip, Slapton Sands, Strete Gate Beach, Devon, Julian, Jarno
Strete Gate Beach at the north end of Slapton Sands, which is technically a bar (a coastal one, not one you go for a drink in).
Coastal Road Trip, Slapton Sands, Tank, Torcross, Exercise tiger memorial, Sherman tank memorial,
At the southern end of Slapton Sands we reached Torcross, and the Sherman tank at the Exercise Tiger Memorial.

 

Start Point

Coastal Road Trip, Start Point, Freshwater Bay, Hallsands, Beesands, Views to Kingswear and Slapton Sands
The views from Start Point across Freshwater Bay and Start Bay were breathtaking.  We could see all the way back along the coast we had just driven along in the morning.
Coastal Road Trip, Start Point, Hallsands, Freshwater Bay
Hallsands perched on cliffs next to Start Point.
Coastal Road Trip, Start Point, Lighthouse, Freshwater Bay
Walking along the South West Coastal Path to Start Point Lighthouse.
Coastal Road Trip, Start Point Lighthouse, Devon
The Grade II listed Start Point Lighthouse.
Coastal Road Trip, Start Point, Mattiscombe, South West Coast Path
As we walked back along Start Point’s ridge, we had super views looking west along the South West Coast Path towards Mattiscombe.
Coastal Road Trip, Start Point, Paraglider
A lone paraglider above the Start Point cliffs.
Coastal Road Trip, Start Point, Devon Lane, Seaview, Blue Sky, Green Field
More narrow coastal lanes as we drove to and from Start Point.  There were not many passing places, but fortunately it was very quiet this Monday morning.  However, we then attempted to drive to East Prawle, but the lanes got so narrow that both sides of the car were being scratched by the hedges!   At the first opportunity we then tried to make it back to slightly larger lanes.  One recommendation, best to come here in a small car, a car you don’t care about or a tractor.

 

West Charleton

Coastal Road Trip, West Charleton, A319, Cottages
A typical Devon village road winding its way between cottages at West Charleton.

 

Kingsbridge

Coastal Road Trip, New Bridge, Bowcombe Creek, Kingsbridge Estuary, Sun reflection
The low autumn sun reflecting on Bowcombe Creek near Kingsbridge.

 

Malborough

Coastal Road Trip, Malborough, Fields, Lincombe, Kingsbridge Estuary, A381
Views over Lincombe to the Kingsbridge Estuary, along the road to Malborough.

 

Salcombe

Coastal Road Trip, Salcombe, Harbour, Batson Creek, Lifeboat, East Portlemouth
Looking across Batson Creek, from Salcombe to East Portlemouth.
Coastal Road Trip, Salcombe, Union Street, Lifeboat Station, Batson Creek, East Portlemouth
Be careful where you drive!  Union street ended abruptly at the lifeboat station.  Salcombe really was a maze of tiny roads.  Fortunately, as it was a quiet day out-of-season, we were really lucky to park on a street right down by the harbour.
Coastal Road Trip, Salcombe, Ferry Inn, Pub, Devon
The local pub squeezed into the waters edge by the ferry landing.
Coastal Road Trip, Overbecks, National Trust, Views to, Salcombe, East Portlemouth, Mill Bay, Kingsbridge Estuary
We wound our way up through more tiny lanes to Overbecks, a National Trust property overlooking Salcombe.  Unfortunately it had closed for the season, so we peeped over the garden walls to take in the the views across Salcombe Harbour and the Kingsbridge Estuary.

 

Hope Cove

Coastal Road Trip, Hope Cove, Outer Hope, Beach, Views to Burgh Island and Bigbury Bay
The Outer Hope Beach at Hope Cope, and our first glimpse across Bigbury Bay to Burgh Island.
Coastal Road Trip, Hope Cove, Inner Hope, Lobster pots, Harbour
Lobster pots sitting along the sandy Inner Hope Harbour.
Coastal Road Trip, Hope Cove, Inner Hope, Boat, SE12, Harbour
Boats tied up on the Inner Hope Beach.

 

Aveton Gifford

Coastal Road Trip, Aveton Gifford, Bridge End, Tidal Road, River Avon
On our way to Bigbury-on-Sea, we somehow ended up on a shortcut alongside the River Avon at Bridge End, near Aveton Gifford.
Coastal Road Trip, Tidal Road, River Avon, Aveton Gifford, Bridge End, Boats, Devon
The aptly named Tidal Road had little protection from the River Avon.  Anyway, we continued on our way and were fortunately fine.

 

Burgh Island

Coastal Road Trip, Burgh Island, Hotel, Agatha Christie, Sunset, Bigbury Beach, Pilchard Inn
We arrived at Burgh Island just as the sun started to go down.
Coastal Road Trip, Burgh Island, Hotel, Agatha Christie, Bigbury Beach, Pilchard Inn, Julian, Jarno, Dusk, Devon
The Island is most famous for its Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel.  Agatha Christie wrote a few of her books whilst staying here.  Julian was also lucky enough to stay here several years ago (in the Agatha Christie room), and loved it!

 

Newton Ferres

Coastal Road Trip, Newton Ferrers, Noss Mayo, Boats, Newton Creek, Dusk
Newton Creek surrounded by Noss Mayo on the opposite side, and Newton Ferrers on our side.

 

Wembury

Coastal Road Trip, Wembury, Beach, Mill, National Trust, Stream, Sunset, Bay, Devon
Great, we made it to Wembury Beach, our final stop just before the daylight disappeared.  There was a little stream running down the beach, which made a great end-shot for the day.  That’s all for day forty-three.  On Day forty-four we will continue our coastal road trip from Plymouth.

 

Daily video

Day 42 – Weymouth to Paignton

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

Coastal Road Trip, Sidmouth, Cliffs, Beach, S W Coast Path
The cliffs at Sidmouth.

 

Weymouth

Coastal Road Trip, Weymouth, Beach, Swimmer, Swimming
An early Sunday morning stop at Weymouth Beach, and someone was already going for a swim in the sea.  Looks chilly.
Coastal Road Trip, Weymouth, Drawbridge, Bridge, Harbour, Quay
Weymouth’s Drawbridge in the old town harbour.
Coastal Road Trip, Weymouth, Harbour, Quay, Old Town, Boat
We were the only people walking around the historic harbour on this very quiet Sunday morning.
Coastal Road Trip, Weymouth, Sandsfoot Castle
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

Coastal Road Trip, Isle of Portland, Olympic Rings, The Olympic Rings Stone Sculpture
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.
Coastal Road Trip, Isle of Portland, Portland Bill Lighthouse
Portland Bill’s current working lighthouse at the tip of the Isle.
Coastal Road Trip, Isle of Portland, Portland Bill, Old Higher Lighthouse, Branscombe Hill
The previous Old Higher Lighthouse, over a hedge and across fields at the top of Branscombe Hill…
Coastal Road Trip, Isle of Portland, Portland Bill, Old Lower Lighthouse
…and its sister, the Old Lower Lighthouse.

 

Chesil Beach

Coastal Road Trip, Portland, Fine Foundation, 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

Coastal Road Trip, Abbotsbury, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury Abbey
Driving inland, almost parallel to Chesil Beach, through rolling green fields towards Abbotsbury Abbey.
Coastal Road Trip, Abbotsbury, Cows, Abbotsbury Abbey, B3157, Abbotsbury Hill, Chesil Beach
Looking back-down to Chesil Beach, past cows enjoying the lush grass.
Coastal Road Trip, Abbotsbury, B3157, Abbotsbury Hill, Swyre
As we continued along the coastal road between Abbotsbury and Swyre, we had far-reaching views west along the Jurassic Coast.

 

West Bay

Coastal Road Trip, West Bay, Beach, Cliffs, Julian, Jarno
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.
Coastal Road Trip, West Bay, Train, Cafe, The Station Kitchen
The remains of the old trainline and station, now a cafe.

 

Seatown

Coastal Road Trip, Seatown, Beach, Pebbles, Boat
A lone boat on Seatown’s pebble beach.

 

Charmouth

Coastal Road Trip, Charmouth, Beach, Cliff, Walkers, Golden Cap
A busy lunchtime at Charmouth, as beach walkers enjoyed the views towards the Golden Cap.

 

Lyme Regis

Coastal Road Trip, Lyme Regis, Harbour, Seagull, The Cobb, Sandy Beach
Views from The Cobb across Sandy Beach.  Lyme Regis was absolutely packed with tourists, we were really lucky to find a parking space.

 

Beer

Coastal Road Trip, Beer, Beach, Dorset, Seaton
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?!
Coastal Road Trip, Beer, Beach, Dorset, Fishing Boats, Cliffs
Fishing boats resting on their day-off under the white chalk cliffs.

 

Sidmouth

Coastal Road Trip, Sidmouth, Cliffs, Beach, S W Coast Path
The bright red Triassic cliffs of Sidmouth, glowing as the sun shone through a break in the clouds.
Coastal Road Trip, Sidmouth, Beach, RNLI, Lifeboat Man, Dummy
Collecting donations for the local lifeboat, but looking a little odd…

 

Budleigh Salterton

Coastal Road Trip, Budleigh Salterton, Beach, Promenade
More luminous red cliffs surrounding Budleigh Salterton’s bay and pebble beach.

 

Exmouth

Coastal Road Trip, Exmouth, River Exe, Dawlish Warren
Looking into the sun across the River Exe to Dawlish Warren from Exmouth Beach.

 

Cockwood

Coastal Road Trip, Cockwood Harbour, Boats
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

Coastal Road Trip, Dawlish Warren, Pink Elephant, Funfair
A giant pink elephant towering above one of the funfair rides at Dawlish Warren.
Coastal Road Trip, Dawlish Warren Beach, Exmouth, River Exe
Exmouth beyond Dawlish Warren Beach and the River Exe.

Teignmouth

Coastal Road Trip, Teignmouth, Pier, Beach
The sun starting to set as we arrived at Teignmouth Pier and Beach.

 

Shaldon

Coastal Road Trip, Shaldon, Boat, Regatta, Teignmouth
Regatta boats neatly lined up on Shaldon Beach, with Teignmouth in the background on the other side of the River Teign.
Coastal Road Trip, Shaldon, Boat, Regatta
Shaldon was a lovely little fishing village to potter around, with its cosy lanes and Georgian cottages.

 

Torquay

Coastal Road Trip, Torquay, Thatcher Point, Thatcher Rock, Ilsham Marine Drive
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.
Coastal Road Trip, Torquay, Harbour, Night, Boats, Reflection
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.

 

Daily video

Day 41 – Highcliffe to Weymouth

On day forty-one we are continuing our road-trip along the Dorset coast from Highcliffe.  We will then follow the beautiful Jurassic Coast (a World Heritage Site) from Studland Bay, as we continue to Weymouth.

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Durdle Door
Durdle Door

 

Highcliffe

Coastal Road Trip, Highcliffe Castle
Our first stop of the day at Highcliffe Castle, considered one of the best remaining examples of Romantic and Picturesque style architecture in the country.
Coastal Road Trip, Highcliffe, Beach, Lifesaver, Steamer Point Nature Reserve
Early morning views looking east along Highcliffe Beach.
Coastal Road Trip, Highcliffe, Beach, View to Avon Beach, Steamer Point Nature Reserve
Looking past the Steamer Point Nature Reserve towards Avon Beach and its rows of colourful beach huts.

 

Mudeford

Coastal Road Trip, Mudeford Quay, Telescope, Mudeford Sandbank, Hengistbury Head
A tranquil Mudeford Quay.  We had never seen it so quiet (tip – go 8am in the morning!).  On the other side of the water, the tip of Hengistbury Head and its pricey beach huts.
Coastal Road Trip, Mudeford Quay, Fisherman Cottages
Fisherman cottages at Mudeford Quay.
Coastal Road Trip, Mudeford Quay, Fishing Nets, Lobster Pots
The local fishermen were busy getting ready for the day.  Lobster Pots, buoys and fishing nets piled high on the quay.

 

Christchurch

Coastal Road Trip, Christchurch, Dorset, Church, River Avon, Norman House
The Norman House and Christchurch Priory alongside the River Avon flowing through Christchurch.

 

Boscombe

Coastal Road Trip, Boscombe, Beach, Overcliff Drive, Beach Huts
Looking east from Overcliff Drive above Boscombe Beach.  In the distance you can just make out The Needles on the western tip of the Isle of Wight.
Coastal Road Trip, Boscombe Pier
A touch of Hollywood in Dorset… Boscombe Pier was recently used in the filming of Dame Joan Collins’ latest film ‘The Times of Their Lives’.

 

Bournemouth

Coastal Road Trip, Bournemouth, Pier, Beach
Bournemouth Pier with Studland Bay and the Isle of Purbeck in the background, where we will be heading in the afternoon.

 

Branksone Chine Beach

Coastal Road Trip, Branksone chine beach
It had been a glorious morning until we arrived at lovely sandy Branksone Shine Beach, when suddenly grey clouds started forming above our heads.

 

Sandbanks

Coastal Road Trip, Sanbanks, Poole Harbour, Boats
We looped around Sandbanks to nosey at the flashy houses (one the most expensive areas of real-estate in the UK).   Unimpressed, we had a quick stop at Sandbanks Beach, then continued around a rather grey Poole Harbour.

 

Wareham

Coastal Road Trip, Wareham, Market, Church Green, The Old Granary
Stopping for lunch at Wareham’s Saturday Market by the river.

 

Corfe Castle

Coastal Road Trip, Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle in the middle of the Isle of Purbeck.  It was a really busy day at the National Trust property.  Lots of families were out enjoying the sunshine that had gratefully reappeared.
Coastal Road Trip, Corfe Castle, Teddy Bear Zip Wire, Sign, National Trust
How cool is this!  A Teddy Bear Zip Wire.  Now we know why it was so busy at the castle 😉
Coastal Road Trip, Corfe Castle, Teddy Bear Zip Wire, Flying Bear, National Trust
Kids were queuing up to send their teddy bears (at quite some speed) down the line.
Coastal Road Trip, Corfe Castle, Leather Smith, Demonstration, National Trust
There were also traditional craft demonstrations, including this leather smith.
Coastal Road Trip, Corfe Castle, Pumpkins, Halloween, Jock-o'-lantern
As Halloween was around the corner, the castle was suitably decorated.

 

Studland

Coastal Road Trip, Road from Corfe Castle to Studland, B3351, Poole Harbour
Heading back to the sea at Studland Bay, there were great vistas back over Poole Harbour.
Coastal Road Trip, Studland Beach, Knoll Beach, Studland Bay, Sandbanks Beach
Studland Beach was surprisingly busy with walkers.  The beach stretched passed Knoll Beach, all the way around Studland Bay and Shell Bay, almost back to Sandbanks on the other side of the Poole Harbour entrance.
Coastal Road Trip, Studland Beach, Dragon's Teeth, National Trust
The Dragon’s Teeth behind Studland Beach were used as defences against possible enemy tanks.
Coastal Road Trip, Studland Beach, Coastal Road Trip, Studland Beach, Old Harry Rocks, National Trust
Old Harry Rocks at the south end of Studland Bay.

 

Swanage

Coastal Road Trip, Swanage, Beach, Bay
Looking back across a calm Swanage Bay.

 

Durlston Head

Coastal Road Trip, Durlston National Nature Reserve, Durlston Bay, Swanage Bay, Old Harry Rocks
Waiting for a coffee and a cake at Durlston Castle, allowed us time to take in the great views back along the coast past Durlston Bay, Swanage Bay and the Old Harry Rocks.
Coastal Road Trip, The Great Globe, Durlston National Nature Reserve, Durlston Castle
The Great Globe, at Durlston National Nature Reserve.  One of the largest stone spheres in the world.  It was constructed in Greenwich from Portland stone in 1887 then shipped to Swanage.
Coastal Road Trip, Anvil Point Lighthouse, Durlston National Nature Reserve
Anvil Point Lighthouse right on the southern tip of the Durlston National Nature Reserve.

 

Kimmerage

Coastal Road Trip, Kimmeridge Bay, Smedmore Estate, Toll Road, Lane
Rolling landscape driving down a small toll road through the Smedmore Estate to Kimmeridge Bay.
Coastal Road Trip, Kimmeridge Bay, Smedmore Estate, Clavell Tower
Clavell Tower above Kimmeridge Bay.
Coastal Road Trip, Kimmeridge Bay, Cliffs, Beach, Smedmore Estate,
Bands of clay and bituminous shale crumbling down the Jurassic cliffs around the bay.
Coastal Road Trip, Kimmeridge Bay, Canoe, Cliffs, Beach, Smedmore Estate,
Canoe lessons in the sheltered bay, which is part of the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve.

 

Steeple

Coastal Road Trip, Steeple, Creech Grange
The rather grand Creech Grange near Steeple on the way to Lulworth.

 

Lulworth

Coastal Road Trip, Lulworth, Cove, Cottage
Cute holiday-let cottages in the touristy village of Lulworth Cove.
Coastal Road Trip, Lulworth, Cove, Panorama
Parking in the village was expensive, everyone at the ticket machine was moaning and joking at the cost, which is a bit of shame when you feel ripped-off before you’ve even visited the place.  We weren’t really impressed with the shops or information centre either.  Shame the land isn’t managed by the National Trust.  OK rant over… 😉
Coastal Road Trip, Lulworth, Cove, Julian, Jarno
Anyway, the actual cove itself was stunning.
Coastal Road Trip, Lulworth, Cove, Stair Hole
Amazing rock formations above Stair Hole.

 

Durdle Door

Coastal Road Trip, Durdle Door, Man O'War Beach, St Oswald's Bay
Our final stop of the day at Durdle Door, before driving to Weymouth.  More stunning coastal landscapes and views, looking down on Man O’War Beach and St Oswald’s Bay.
Coastal Road Trip, Durdle Door
Walking down a steep coastal path and steps, we arrived at Durdle Door.  Fortunately it wasn’t too busy, as it was the end of the day.
Coastal Road Trip, Durdle Door, Bat's Head
Back at the top of the cliff, even more stunning views to Bat’s Head.

 

Daily video

Day 40 – Worthing to Highcliffe

On day forty we started the next of our mini four day Coastal Road Trips, this time from Worthing in West Sussex to Plymouth in Devon.   Today we are heading as far as Highcliffe in Dorset, and the weather looks super for the end of October.

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, St Leonards Grange, Sunstar, Sunbeam, Lane, Road, Tree, Brockenhurst, Hampshire
Dappled sunlight along the coastal country lane between Buckler’s Hard and Lymington.

 

Bognor Regis

Coastal Road Trip, Bognor Regis, Beach, Pier
We tried to make Elmer, west of Worthing, our first stop of the day, but we couldn’t find a way to the beach (seemed private access only).  So we continued passed the local Butlins to Bognor Regis Beach, with views west towards its pier.
Coastal Road Trip, Bognor Regis, Beach
Further along Bognor Regis Beach, and the view towards Pagham.

 

Selsey

Coastal Road Trip, Selsey, East Beach
We then drove down the Manhood Peninsula towards Selsey Bill.   Doesn’t the beach look familiar?   To be honest many of the beaches along the West Sussex coastline seemed quite similar, nothing wrong with that, but just made the photos look quite similar too!
Coastal Road Trip, Selsey, Grafton Road, Tower
An interesting tower above what turned out to be a care-home, overlooking the most southerly point of Selsey’s Beach.

 

East Whitering

Coastal Road Trip, East Whitering, Beach, View to Porstmouth, Bracklesham Lane, Bracklesham Bay
Catching our first glimpse of Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower in the distance as we looked west along the coast from East Whitering’s Bracklesham Bay.

 

Chichester

Coastal Road Trip, Chichester, Bill's, Coffee, Sister, Julian, Jarno
Dropping in for a quick coffee with Julian’s sister and brother-in-law in the county town of Chichester.  We ended up with a bit of a family day as we stayed with Julian’s parents in the evening, and also popped into visit one of his brother’s and his family.

 

Hayling

Coastal Road Trip, Hayling Island, Beach, Seafront, View of Portsmouth
Hayling Island’s seafront, with the Funland Amusement Park just further down the beach.
Coastal Road Trip, Hayling Island, Beach, Seafront, Beach Huts
Yay, more beach huts to add to our beach-hut-photo-collection 😉

 

Eastney

Coastal Road Trip, Eastney, Beach, Seaguls, Esplanade
Plenty of Seaguls at Eastney Beach.
Coastal Road Trip, Eastney, Beach, Beach Huts, Esplanade
A pair of legs enjoying the October sunshine!
Coastal Road Trip, Eastney, Royal Marines Museum, Statue, Sculpture, Esplanade
The Yomper Statue outside the now closed Royal Marines Museum (which will be moving to Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard).

 

Southsea

Coastal Road Trip, Southsea, Southsea Castle Lighthouse
Southsea Castle from the 16th century, and its lighthouse from the 1820s, overlooking the Solent.
Coastal Road Trip, Southsea, Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Southsea Common
The Portsmouth Naval Memorial on the front of Southsea Common as we entered Portsmouth.

 

Portsmouth

Coastal Road Trip, Portsmouth, Harbour Entrance, Solent, Yacht, Ferry, Pilot Boat
The Solent and the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour were bustling with activity, with all kinds of boats, ships, yachts, ferries…
Coastal Road Trip, Portsmouth, Harbour Entrance, Solent, Hovercraft, Yacht, Fort Monckton
… and hovercraft, sailing off in all directions.
Coastal Road Trip, Portsmouth, Harbour Entrance, Solent, Spitbank Fort, Yacht
Spitbank Fort sitting in the Solent, now a luxury hotel and venue.  We checked the price for a night stay, it was a little on the high side…. but afternoon tea is a little more reasonable 😉
Coastal Road Trip, Portsmouth, Spinnaker Tower
One of Portsmouth’s latest landmarks, the Spinnaker Tower that was opened in 2005.  We then drove past Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.   There seemed to be a lot to see and do, so we’ll be back when we have more time to explore properly.

 

Calshot

Coastal Road Trip, Calshot Castle, Calshot Spit, Fawley, Calshot
We then skirted around the Southampton Water, past Hamble, Southampton and Hythe and back down to Calshot Castle at the end of a spit overlooking The Solent.
Coastal Road Trip, Fawley, Refinery, Calshot Spit,
The views of Fawley Refinery, reminding us of Day 2’s view from Pembroke to Milford Haven.
Coastal Road Trip, Calshot, Redjet, Hi-Speed ferry, Yacht, Solent
Calshot Castle was a great vantage point for viewing the busy Solent.

 

Lepe

Coastal Road Trip, Lepe, Lepe Country Park, Solent, Yacht
Our next stop at the Lepe Country Park.  The views across the Solent to Cowes on the Isle of Wight (and into the sun, hence the glow!).
Coastal Road Trip, Lepe Lighthouse, Beaulieu River Millennium Beacon
Lepe Lighthouse (AKA Beaulieu River Millennium Beacon) sticking out above the trees, just after Lepe Country Park.

 

Beaulieu

Coastal Road Trip, Beaulieu, Mill Dam, River, The Mill House
Crossing over the Beaulieu River, we stopped to take pictures across the Mill Dam at Beaulieu.

 

Buckler’s Hard

Coastal Road Trip, Buckler's Hard, Beaulieu River
Buckler’s Hard on the west side of the Beaulieu River.
Coastal Road Trip, St Leonards Grange, Sunset, Fields, Meadow, Tree, Brockenhurst, Hampshire
Continuing on the coastal road from Buckler’s Hard, there were beautiful views across the fields near St Leonards Grange.
Coastal Road Trip, St Leonards Grange, Sunstar, Sunbeam, Lane, Road, Tree, Brockenhurst, Hampshire
Loved the soft sun-rays, and the dappled light on the country lane as we continued to Lymington.

 

Lymington

Coastal Road Trip, Lymington, Harbour, Marina, Yachts, Boats
As we continued into the New Forest, we arrived at the major yachting harbour and marinas at Lymington, home to several world famous sailing regattas.
Coastal Road Trip, Lymington, Quay Street
The cobbled Quay Street.

 

Keyhaven

Coastal Road Trip, Keyhaven, Boats, Hust Castle, Milford on Sea, Lymington
We stopped by Keyhaven near Milford on Sea, as we were curious if we could see Hurst Castle in the distance (we couldn’t).  The ferry to Hurst Castle leaves from Keyhaven, but we had missed the last one of the day.

 

Milford on Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Milford on Sea, Milford-on-Sea, Cliff Road, View to Hengistbury Head and Swanage, Sunset, Jarno
Jarno filming from the top of the cliffs at Milford on Sea, towards Hengistbury Head and Swanage.

 

Barton on Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Barton on Sea, Marine Drive East, View to Hengistbury Head and Swanage, Sunset, Dusk
As the sun set, we made our final stop of the day at Barton on Sea, before continuing to Highcliffe for the night.

 

Daily video

Day 39 – Rye to Worthing

Today we are driving from historic Rye in East Sussex along the coast to Worthing in West Sussex.   Storm Ophelia was approaching the UK today.  As the day progressed we started to see a very unusual dark and orange looking sky, caused by the storm pushing Sahara sand and Iberian wildfire smoke our way.

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Seaford, Beach, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
Seaford Beach, with Storm Ophelia on its way.

 

Rye

Coastal Road Trip, Rye, Cobbled Street
Our first stop of the day in Rye, the small ancient town was so quaint with its cobbled streets.
Coastal Road Trip, Rye, St Mary Church, Cobbled Street, Julian, Jarno
St Mary Church’s turret clock is the oldest working clock of its type in the country.
Coastal Road Trip, Rye, St Mary Church, Church yard, Park, Bench
Tudor houses fronting on to the churchyard.
Coastal Road Trip, Rye, Ypres Tower
The 13th century Ypres Tower town defences.  In 1377 the church and town had been looted, set on fire and destroyed by French invaders!
Coastal Road Trip, Rye, Cobbled Street
The steep cobbled Mermaid Street.  Although it was an early Monday morning there were already a few other tourists pottering around.  Glad we hadn’t been here on a busy summer weekend.
Coastal Road Trip, Rye, Rye Harbour
The town is now 2 miles inland as a result of the River Rother starting to silt up 500 years ago.  So we drove down to the coast to view Rye Harbour.

 

Winchelsea

Coastal Road Trip, Winchelsea Beach, Waves
Winchelsea Beach.  The town, a bit further inland, dates back to the 13th century.  It was Britain’s first properly planned ‘new’ town.

 

Hastings

Coastal Road Trip, Hastings, Rock-a-Nore Beach, East Hill
The view from The Stade at Hastings back to Rock-a-Nore Beach and East Hill.
Coastal Road Trip, Hastings, The Stade, Beach, The Old Town, Fishing Boats, Julian, Jarno
The Stade Beach in front of Hastings Old Town.
Coastal Road Trip, Hastings, Net Shops, The Stade, The Old Town
The tall black wooden Net Shops on the beach front at Hastings.  They were used to dry fishing nets.
Coastal Road Trip, Hastings, The Stade, Net Shops, Hastings Miniature Railway, Turntable, The Old Town
The recently restored Hastings Miniature Railway.
Coastal Road Trip, Hastings, The Old Town
Looking up All Saints Street in The Old Town.
Coastal Road Trip, Hastings, The Old Town, All Saints Street
We had just walked past The Crown Pub, which had just been voted the best place to have a pint in the UK.  Unfortunately we only read that after leaving Hastings….

 

Bulverhythe

Coastal Road Trip, Bulverhythe Beach, Beach Huts
More colourful beach huts on Bulverhythe Beach, just a few miles west of Hastings.

 

Bexhill-on-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Bexhill-on-Sea, Promenade, Channel View, Tea beside the sea
The elegant Bexhill-on-Sea Promenade.
Coastal Road Trip, Bexhill-on-Sea, De La Warr Pavilion, Promenade
The De La Warr Pavilion on the sea front at Bexhill, now a local centre for contemporary art.  Bob Marley had his first ever UK performance there too.

 

Cooden Beach

Coastal Road Trip, Cooden Beach, White Beach Huts
Driving past some rather large houses we reached Cooden Beach.

 

Eastbourne

Coastal Road Trip, Eastbourne, Eastbourne Beach, Beach Huts
Yet more colour-coordinated beach huts along Eastbourne Beach.
Coastal Road Trip, Eastbourne, Eastbourne Pier, Beach
The view along Eastbourne Beach to the pier.  By now we were starting to see the weird coloured pre-Storm Ophelia sky.
Coastal Road Trip, Eastbourne, Eastbourne Pier, Beach, Truck, CAT, caterpillar
Caterpillar trucks were shifting around shingle on the beach, to restore the sea defences in preparation for winter storms.

 

Beachy Head

Coastal Road Trip, Beachy Head, Beachy Head Lighthouse, Cliffs
Really dramatic views over the chalk cliffs at Beachy Head to the Lighthouse.
Coastal Road Trip, Beachy Head, Beachy Head Lighthouse, Cliffs, Julian, Jarno
Don’t look down….. you could walk right up to the cliff edge!
Coastal Road Trip, Beachy Head, Belle Tout Lighthouse, Cliff
Belle Tout Lighthouse, now a private residence.  In 1999 it had to be moved 17 meters back from the cliff edge to save it falling off due to coastal erosion.  It was featured in the BBC’s ‘The Life and Loves of a She-Devil’ and James Bond’s ‘The Living Daylights’.
Coastal Road Trip, Beachy Head, Belle Tout Lighthouse, Old Foundations, Birling Gap, Seven Sisters
Parts of the original building and foundations, right on the cliff edge.  In the distance you can see the cliffs of the Seven Sisters past Birling Gap.

 

Birling Gap

Coastal Road Trip, Birling Gap, Seven Sisters, National Trust,
The bright white Seven Sisters chalk cliffs viewed from the National Trust managed Birling Gap.

 

Seaford

Coastal Road Trip, Seaford, Beach, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
It felt like the end of the world.  The lighting was totally surreal.  Such a dark sky in the distance over Newhaven, contrasting against the bright blue-green sea, and the warm colours of the pebble beach.  Storm Ophelia was on its way.
Coastal Road Trip, Seaford, Beach, Beach Huts, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
Another palette of candy coloured beach huts on Seaford Beach.

 

Newhaven

Coastal Road Trip, Newhaven, Port, Lighthouse, Breakwater, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
The lighthouse at the end of the breakwater at Newhaven, we had also seen it in the distance from Seaford.
Coastal Road Trip, Newhaven, Fort, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
The path down to Newhaven Fort, with Seaford Bay in the background.  The fort was the largest defence built on the Sussex coastline.

 

Brighton

Coastal Road Trip, Brighton, Pier, Beach, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
As we know Brighton well, having had our UK base and home there for the last few years, we just stopped briefly to take photos of the famous Brighton Pier (AKA Brighton Palace Pier).
Coastal Road Trip, Brighton, Pier, Beach, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
The Brighton Pier is now the only surviving pier at Brighton, the Royal Suspension Chain Pier was its predecessor, but you can still see remains of the West Pier opposite the British Airways i360 tower.

 

Hove

Coastal Road Trip, Hove, Beach Huts, Promenade, Beach, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
The long promenade at Hove, Brighton’s coastal neighbour.

 

Southwick

Coastal Road Trip, Southwick, River Adur, Fishing Boat, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
Actually we didn’t stop at Southwick, but we got stuck in a traffic jam along the River Adur, so managed this picture of a fishing boat from the car window.

 

Lancing

Coastal Road Trip, Lancing, Beach Hut, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
Lancing beach was really busy with kite-surfers, unfortunately the photos were pretty terrible (I blame the weird pre-storm lighting), but we caught them on video, check below.
Coastal Road Trip, Lancing, Beach, Worthing Pier, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
Looking west towards Worthing Pier in the distance.

 

Worthing

Coastal Road Trip, Worthing, Worthing Pier, Beach, Sahara sand, Iberian wildfire smoke dust, Storm Ophelia
Worthing, our final stop on this four day part of our Coastal Road Trip.   The original pier dates back to 1862 though through fire and storm damage it has been rebuilt and updated many times over the years.

 

Daily video

 

 

 

 

Day 38 – Sittingbourne to Rye

On day thirty-eight we will be covering most of the Kent coastline, so a long day of travel, and the weather is absolutely fantastic for mid-October!

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Dungeness, Lighthouse, Romney Marsh, Fifth Lighthouse, Sunset
Dungeness Lighthouse

 

Isle of Sheppey

Coastal Road Trip, Isle of Sheppey, Sheppey Crossing, A249, Bridge, The Swale
As we have a lot of ground to cover today, we made an early Sunday morning start driving over The Swale to the Isle of Sheppey.

 

Leysdown-on-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Leysdown-on-Sea, Beach, Leysdown Coastal Park, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, Thames Estuary
After a quick stop at Sheerness on the northwest corner of the Isle of Sheppey, we headed over to Leysdown-on-Sea’s beach on the east of the isle, with views across the empty Thames Estuary.
Coastal Road Trip, Leysdown-on-Sea, Beach Huts, Leysdown Coastal Park, Isle of Sheppey, Kent
Smart beach huts lined up on the front at Leysdown Coastal Park.

 

Whitstable

Coastal Road Trip, Whitstable Harbour, Market, Ice-cream Van, Huts,
My Whippy on early morning duty at Whitstable’s Harbour.
Coastal Road Trip, Whitstable, Tankerton Slopes, Beach Huts
More colourful beach huts along Whitstable’s Tankerton Slopes.  If you look carefully you can see the remains of Herne Bay Pier Head out at sea.

 

Herne Bay

Coastal Road Trip, Herne Bay, Mopeds, Clock Tower, Central Parade, Kent
An MOD scooter meet-up in front of Herne Bay’s Clock Tower on the Central Parade.  A great day for a bike ride.
Coastal Road Trip, Herne Bay, Pier, Boats
The Pier at Herne Bay….
Coastal Road Trip, Herne Bay, Pier, Pier Head, Boats
…. and out at sea the remains of the pier head, which got separated from the rest of Herne Bay Pier in a storm back in 1978.
Coastal Road Trip, Herne Bay, Jet Ski
A jet-skier making the most of the October heatwave.
Coastal Road Trip, Herne Bay, Saxon Shore, Beach, View East to Reculver Towers
Then looking east, views along Herne Bay Beach and Saxon Shore towards Reculver Towers in the distance.

 

Reculver

Coastal Road Trip, Reculver Towers, Roman Fort, Anglo-Saxon monastery, Church, English Heritage
The medieval Reculver Towers, the remains of the church of St Mary, looking stunning against the blue sky.
Coastal Road Trip, Reculver Towers, Roman Fort, Anglo-Saxon monastery, Church, English Heritage, Julian, Jarno
Reculver has suffered major coastal erosion over the years, and now the Reculver Towers are perched right on the edge of the sea cliff.

 

Margate

Coastal Road Trip, Margate, The Bay, Harbour, Panorama,
A panorama of Margate Bay.
Coastal Road Trip, Margate, The Bay, Harbour, Lighthouse, Harbour Arm
The lighthouse at the end of Margate Harbour Arm breakwater.
Coastal Road Trip, Margate, Turner Contemporary, Beach, ANOTHER TIME, Antony Gormley, Sculpture
On Fulsam Rock by the Margate foreshore, the Turner Contemporary was exhibiting the lone figure ‘Another Time’ by Antony Gormley.  A nice reminder of day 7 of our Coastal Road Trip, where we had seen the complete version of Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ sculptures submerged in Crosby Beach.

 

North Foreland Lighthouse

Coastal Road Trip, North Foreland Lighthouse, Joss Bay, Kent, Isle of Thanet
On the way to Broadstairs, the North Foreland Lighthouse sitting above fields leading down to Joss Bay.

 

Broadstairs

Coastal Road Trip, Broadstairs, Beach, Viking Bay, Harbour
Broadstair’s Viking Bay with its steep cliffs down to the beach.

 

Ramsgate

Coastal Road Trip, Ramsgate, Pirate Van, Victoria Parade
Whilst stopping on the Victoria Parade above Ramsgate’s Beach, we realised we had parked in-front of this funny pirate themed camper-van….
Coastal Road Trip, Ramsgate, Pirate Van, Victoria Parade, Sign
… please do not disturb! 😉
Coastal Road Trip, Ramsgate, East, West, Pier, Lighthouse, View from Victoria Parade, Beach
Views down to the east and west piers at the mouth of Ramsgate’s harbour and marina.
Coastal Road Trip, Ramsgate, Yacht Marina, Harbour, Boats
Ramsgate’s Yacht Marina looking almost Mediterranean with the bright blue sky and waters.

 

Deal

Coastal Road Trip, Deal, Deal Castle, English Heritage
The 16th century Deal Castle.  If you Google aerial photos of it, you will see it actually looks somewhat like a flower from above.
Coastal Road Trip, Deal, Beach, Boats, Fishing
Wooden fishing boats resting on Deal Beach.
Coastal Road Trip, Deal, Pier, Beach
The Pier at Deal is better seen from a distance.  It was pretty brutal looking close-up!

 

Dover

Coastal Road Trip, Dover, White Cliffs of Dover, National Trust
Finally we have made it to the famous White Cliffs of Dover.  It had been on our to-do list for quite some time.  It seemed like everyone else had the same idea to visit on this sunny Sunday afternoon as it was pretty busy.  Fortunately the land is managed by the National Trust so we parked for free, which made up for the pricey coffee and cake!
Coastal Road Trip, Dover, White Cliffs of Dover, National Trust, Jarno
Thumbs-up from Jarno….
Coastal Road Trip, Dover, White Cliffs of Dover, National Trust, Julian Shadow
… and a wave from Julian’s shadow.
Coastal Road Trip, Dover, Ferry, Port, Terminal
Looking down through the sea mist to Dover’s bustling ferry port.
Coastal Road Trip, Dover, Dover Castle, English Heritage
Dover Castle silhouetted against the bright but hazy evening skyline.
Coastal Road Trip, Dover, Banksy, Brexit, EU Flag, Street Art, Castle Amusements Building
Banksy’s Brexit street art just off a roundabout, as we drove through Dover.  Not the best welcome for our European neighbours as they arrive off the Dover ferry onto mainland Britain.

 

Capel-le-Ferne

Coastal Road Trip, Capel-le-Ferne, Battle of Britain Memorial, lone pilot, Harry Gray, Folkestone
The lone pilot sculpture by Harry Gray at the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne, just outside Folkestone.
Coastal Road Trip, Capel-le-Ferne, Battle of Britain Memorial, Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 Replica US-X, Sunset, Folkestone
The sun starting to set over the Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 Replica US-X planes at the Battle of Britain Memorial.

 

Folkestone

Coastal Road Trip, Folkestone, The Grand, Hotel
We were struggling what to take a photo of as we drove through Folkestone, until we past a row of handsome hotels above the cliffs on the Leas Promenade.  Agatha Christie, wrote Murder on the Orient Express whilst staying here at The Grand.

 

Sandgate

Coastal Road Trip, Sandgate, Beach, Sunset, Sandgate Esplanade
The long seafront and esplanade at Sandgate, just west of Folketone.

 

Dungeness

Coastal Road Trip, Dungeness, Nuclear Power Station, Romney Marsh, EDF Energy
Our final stop of the day at the surreal Dungeness.  The area was a weird mix of beach, barren marshland, artist community, pub, gift shop, train station, lighthouses and a nuclear power station.  What a mix!
Coastal Road Trip, Dungeness, The Old Lighthouse, Nuclear Power Station, Romney Marsh, EDF Energy
The Old Lighthouse and its neighbor, the nuclear power station….
Coastal Road Trip, Dungeness, Lighthouse, Romney Marsh, Fifth Lighthouse, Sunset
…and closer to the headland the current lighthouse.  Not your traditional lighthouse, but pretty sleek, and looked great lit-up in the clear evening sky.

 

Daily video

 

 

Day 37 – Southend-on-Sea to Sittingbourne

We are travelling 104 miles today as we drive first along the north side of the River Thames and estuary, then back along the south side.  One of our busiest days for traffic too as we skirt around the edge of London.  However, there was a mid-October heatwave, so at least we are lucky with the weather!

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Gravesend, St George's Church, Pocahontas, Statue, Princess,
Pocahontas statue (yes, you read that right!) in a graveyard in Gravesend.

 

Shoeburyness

Coastal Road Trip, Shoeburyness, Gunners park, Shoebury East Beach
We started off with a short detour east from Southend-on-Sea to Shoeburyness at the mouth of the River Thames Estuary.  Views northeast from Gunners Park towards Shoebury East Beach.
Coastal Road Trip, Shoeburyness, Gunners park, Shoebury Ness, Graffiti,
Interesting welcome signs at the entrance to the Thames.  It is a shame that the war defences were covered in graffiti, but at least it brought some colour to the concrete.
Coastal Road Trip, Shoeburyness, Warrior Square, Horseshoe Cresent, Clock, Gates, Garrison
Shoeburyness was a pleasant surprise, with smart military avenues and squares, mixed with newer developments.   We also tried to continue further north past the St Nicolas Church at Great Wakering, but found ourselves heading into a Ministry of Defence area, so did a quick u-turn.

 

Southend-on-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Southend-on-Sea, Beach, Ness Road Slipway, South-on The Sea
Heading back into Southend-on-Sea, we made a short stop at the beach by the Ness Road Slipway with views towards Southend-on-Sea.
Coastal Road Trip, Southend-on-Sea, Pier
The longest pleasure pier in the world at Southend-on-Sea, stretching into the hazy sunshine.
Coastal Road Trip, Southend-on-Sea, Pier, Train
It is so long (1.34 miles) that you can take a train to the end!
Coastal Road Trip, Southend-on-Sea, Adventure Island, Roller-coaster, Rage, Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter
The entrance to Southend Pier flanked by roller-coasters at Adventure Island.

 

Leigh-on-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Leigh-on-Sea, Leigh Marshes, Boats, Thames Estuary
Abandoned boats in the marshes on the edge of the Thames Estuary at Leigh-on-Sea.

 

Canvey Island

Coastal Road Trip, Canvey Island, Canvey Point, Smallgains Marina
Driving through Canvey Island (basically a large housing estate) we arrived at Canvey Point and the nearby Smallgains Marina.

 

East Tilbury

Coastal Road Trip, East Tilbury, Coalhouse Fort
More Thames defences at Coalhouse Fort.  The original fortifications date back to the 15th century.  More recently it has been used for a variety of purposes, including being featured at the start of the ‘Batman Begins’ film.  It is now a pleasant park overlooking the Thames, where today families were enjoying the sunny afternoon.

 

Tilbury

Coastal Road Trip, Tilbury, The Worlds End, Pub, Tilbury Fort
The Worlds End Pub on the way to Tilbury Fort.  Aren’t British pub names great?!  This pub was haunted too!
Coastal Road Trip, Tilbury, Tilbury Fort, Gun
Guns at Tilbury Fort.  The first fort was built here by Henry VIII in the 16th century, and continued in use until after World War II.
Coastal Road Trip, Tilbury, Tilbury Fort, Cruise Ship, Thames, CMV, Wind Turbines
Looking west up the Thames from Tilbury Fort to the cruise terminal and a wind farm project.
Coastal Road Trip, Tilbury, Tilbury Fort, Boats, Yachts, Thames, Gravesend
The Thames was busy with yachts, making the most of the lovely weather.

 

Dartford Crossing

Coastal Road Trip, Dartford Crossing, Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, Cable-stayed Bridge
Heading south over the Queen Elizabeth II Darford Crossing Bridge.

 

Gravesend

Coastal Road Trip, Gravesend, St George's Church, Pocahontas, Statue, Princess,
Probably the biggest surprise of the day, finding a statue of Pocahontas in the graveyard of  St George’s Church in Gravesend.  Pocahontas had died on a ship on the River Thames close to Gravesend, and her remains are thought to be buried somewhere close to St George’s Church.

 

Hoo Peninsula

Coastal Road Trip, RSPB Northward Hill, Thames Estuary, Autumn, Colours, Fall Colors, DP World London Gateway Port, Stanford-le-Hope
Heading across the Hoo Peninsula, we decided to stop at the quiet RSPB Northward Hill nature reserve.  Along the track there were lovely views over apple orchards turning autumn red, quite a contrast to the shipping port at Stanford-le-Hope across the Thames.

 

Upnor

Coastal Road Trip, Upnor, Upper Upnor, High Street
A quaint cobbled lane leading down through Upper Upnor to the River Medway.
Coastal Road Trip, Upnor, Upper Upnor, Upnor Castle, River Medway
Upnor Castle had just closed for the day, so we took in the views across the marshes on the edge of the River Medway.

 

Rochester

Coastal Road Trip, Rochester, Rochester Castle, Julian, Jarno
Another selfie moment at Rochester Castle, its orgins dating back to the 12th century.
Coastal Road Trip, Rochester, Rochester Castle
The castle towering an impressive 113 feet high.
Coastal Road Trip, Rochester, Roofs
Red roofs of Rochester.  Rochester was a well preserved historical town, and we learnt it had actually been inspiration for many of Charles Dickens’ novels.
Coastal Road Trip, Rochester, Rochester Cathedral
The Norman Rochester Cathedral.  Apparently Jools Holland is a big fan of the acoustics.  We then made our way along the Medway to Chatham Historic Dockyard for dinner, before heading to Sittingbourne for the night.

 

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Day 36 – Ipswich to Southend-on-Sea

After a few weeks break from our coastal road trip, we are now continuing our journey, this time over four days from Ipswich in Suffolk to Worthing in West Sussex.   Hence the sunny weather in the Ipswich picture (September), then a bit gloomy as we continued into Essex (October).

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Clacton-on-Sea, Clacton Pier, Helter Skelter, Helter-skelter, empty, closed
A helter-skelter on Clacton-on-Sea’s pier.

 

Ipswich

Coastal Road Trip, Ipswich Waterfront, Marina, Roadmap, Julian, Jarno
Our last photo as we finished the first 5 weeks of our Coastal Road Trip at Ipswich Waterfront.  Feeling quite pleased with ourselves!

 

Mistley

Coastal Road Trip, Mistley Towers, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, English Heritage, Essex
Working our way down the south side of the River Stour we made the first stop of the day at Mistley Towers in Essex, the remains of the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin.

 

Harwich

Coastal Road Trip, Harwich, Ha'penny Pier
The wooden Ha’penny Pier at Harwich, named after the original toll charge for the Victorian pier.  The Port of Felixtowe in the gloomy background.
Coastal Road Trip, Harwich, Lightvessel LV18, Ha'penny Pier
The Lightvessel LV18 moored off the Ha’penny Pier, the last surviving example of a manned Trinty House light vessel, now a museum.
Coastal Road Trip, Harwich, Harwich High Lighthouse, Old Harwich
Harwich High Lighthouse that was used in combination with the Low Lighthouse as a leading light for Harwich Harbour.
Coastal Road Trip, Harwich, Harwich Maritime Museum, Low Light House Harwich
And the Low Lighthouse on the promenade, now the local Maritime Museum.
Coastal Road Trip, Dovercourt Lighthouses, Low Light House, High Lighthouse
Then just a few minutes further along the coast we reached the two matching iron towered Dovercourt Low and High Lighthouses.

 

Walton on the Naze

Coastal Road Trip, Walton on the Naze, The Naze, Naze Tower
The navigational Naze Tower north of Walton on the Naze.  With a beacon at the top, it was used as an early form of lighthouse to guide ships through the Goldmer Gap.
Coastal Road Trip, Walton on the Naze, Beach, Pier
Walton on the Naze Beach… and the sun trying to make an appearance.  Yay!
Coastal Road Trip, Walton on the Naze, Beach, Pier, Beach Huts
Walton on the Naze Pier.  To be honest we had seen better looking piers, though the brightly painted beach huts attempted to brighten-up the area.

 

Frinton On Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Frinton On Sea, Esplanade, Frinton Beach, Clock, The Clock Tower Shelter
A rather elaborate looking clock tower shelter on the Frinton Beach Esplanade.

 

Holland-on-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Holland-on-Sea, Holland Haven, Beach Huts
More beach huts adding some colour to Holland Haven near Holland-on-Sea.

 

Clacton-on-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Clacton-on-Sea, Clacton Pier, Entrance, Jarno
Stopping for some lunch at Clacton Pier.
Coastal Road Trip, Clacton-on-Sea, Clacton Pier, Helter Skelter, Helter-skelter, empty, closed
The helter-skelter looking a bit spooky on the deserted pier.
Coastal Road Trip, Clacton-on-Sea, Clacton Pier, Helter Skelter, Helter-skelter, Julian, Jarno
Just proving we were there 😉
Coastal Road Trip, Clacton-on-Sea, Clacton Pier, Steps
Some rather scary looking steps down to the sea from the pier.
Coastal Road Trip, Clacton-on-Sea, Clacton Pier, Noticeboard, quiet, empty
Clearly we were out of season with the empty entertainment noticeboards.

 

Brightlingsea

Coastal Road Trip, Brightlingsea, Beach Huts
If it’s not lighthouses it’s beach huts today!

 

West Mersea

Coastal Road Trip, West Mersea, Marine, RNLI, Lifeboat, Launch, Upside down boat
A rather unloved looking boat at West Mersea….
Coastal Road Trip, West Mersea, Marine, House boat, Pandora, Coast Road
… and the houseboats looking like they are in the middle of a field.

 

Tollesbury

Coastal Road Trip, Tollesbury, Trinity Lightship
Another Trinity Lightship, also with the illusion of being moored in a field.

 

Heybridge

Coastal Road Trip, Heybridge, Heybridge Basin, Lock
The picturesque lock at Heybridge Basin, joining the Blackwater estuary and the canal to Chelmsford.

 

Maldon

Coastal Road Trip, Maldon, Hythe Quay, Boats
Old Thames barges moored at Maldon’s Hythe Quay.
Coastal Road Trip, Maldon, Hythe Quay, Boats
The barges had been beautifully restored, several are still in use as charters.

 

Bradwell-on-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Bradwell-on-Sea, St Peter's Chapel, Signpost, Coming Soon, Saltmarsh Coast
As walked down a long farm track to the remote St Peter’s Chapel we came across this funny sign.  Something was ‘coming soon’, not sure what…
Coastal Road Trip, Bradwell-on-Sea, St Peter's Chapel, Saltmarsh Coast, Julian, Jarno
St Peter’s Chapel on the headland near Sales Point, one of the oldest Chistian churches in England, dating from the 7th century.  Around a thousand years later, in the 17th century it was in use as a barn.   You can still see where the barn doors were placed on the side.
Coastal Road Trip, Bradwell-on-Sea, St Peter's Chapel, Interior, Nave, Altar, Saltmarsh Coast,
We were surprised that the church door was open, so we had a quick look inside.  Pretty good condition for 1,400 years old!

 

Burnham-on-Crouch

Coastal Road Trip, Burnham-on-Crouch, Burnham Yacht Harbour, Boat, Night
The Yacht Harbour at Burnham-on-Crouch, our final stop of the day before heading to Southend-on-Sea for the night.

 

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Day 35 – Lowestoft to Ipswich

So we’ve managed to complete thirty-five days of continuous travel, as we drove from Cardiff to Ipswich. Yay!  That’s the first and main leg of our coastal road trip completed, and what a great day to spend this milestone, as we travel the beautiful Suffolk coastline….

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe Ferry, Sunset, Dusk, Boats, Reflection
Calm reflective waters as the sunset at Felixtowe Ferry.

 

Lowestoft

Coastal Road Trip, Lowestoft, Lowestoft Lighthouse
Bam!  Our first stop of the day and it’s a lighthouse.  The bright white Lowestoft Lighthouse looking great against the fresh blue morning sky.
Coastal Road Trip, Lowestoft, Ness Point, Euroscope, John Wylson, Most Easterly Point of Britain
On this trip we have traveled to the most westerly point of Britain at Ardnamurchan (day 17), the most northerly point at Dunnet Head (day 24), and now we have reached the most easterly point at Ness Point!  Not the most exciting view, to be honest…
Coastal Road Trip, Lowestoft, Ness Point, Euroscope, John Wylson, Most Easterly Point of Britain, Julian
Julian sitting on the Euroscope at Ness Point, designed by John Wylson.
Coastal Road Trip, Lowestoft, South Beach, Houses, Green
A handsome row of houses along Lowestoft’s South Beach Promenade.
Coastal Road Trip, Lowestoft, South Beach, Lifeguard
The Lowestoft South Beach lifeguard keeping an eye on a lone swimmer (that just swam out of the photo).

 

Benachre

Coastal Road Trip, Benachre, Waveney, Suffolk, Sunflower, Fields
Driving past glorious meadows as we meandered along the small country lanes near Benachre.
Coastal Road Trip, Benachre, Waveney, Suffolk, Fields
Such rich colours in the mid morning sunshine.

 

Southwold

Coastal Road Trip, Southwold, Lighthouse, Waveney, Suffolk
The grade II listed Southwold Lighthouse towering over Southwold’s seafront houses.
Coastal Road Trip, Southwold, Pier, Beach, Huts, Waveney, Suffolk
Southwold Pier, extending 190m in to the North Sea.

 

Walberswick

Coastal Road Trip, Southwold, Walberswick, River Blyth, Harbour, Ferry, Rowing Boat, Waveney, Suffolk
The small ferry being rowed from Southwold across the fast moving River Blyth to Walberswick.  He was doing a busy trade this sunny Saturday lunchtime.

 

Blythburgh

Coastal Road Trip, Blythburgh, Holy Trinity Church, Suffolk, Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Nave, Interior
A short detour inland to view the Holy Trinity Church in the small village of Blythburgh.  Also know as The Cathedral of the Marshes, it was surprisingly light inside.

 

Dunwich

Coastal Road Trip, Dunwich Beach, Sizewell, Saxmundham
Children playing in the waves at Dunwich Beach, silhouetted against the sea.  Sizewell nuclear power station lurking in the distance.

 

Leiston Abbey

Coastal Road Trip, Leiston Abbey House, Theberton, Leiston, Suffolk, English Heritage
The remains of the Augustinian Leiston Abbey, originally home to the strict Premonstratensian order, who favoured remote locations.
Coastal Road Trip, Leiston Abbey House, Theberton, Leiston, Suffolk, English Heritage
A farmhouse had been built into the remains of the nave after the suppression.

 

Thorpeness

Coastal Road Trip, Thorpeness, Sign, Leiston, Suffolk
The Thorpeness village sign with its iconic House in the Clouds and windmill.
Coastal Road Trip, Thorpeness, Meare, House in the Clouds, Leiston, Suffolk
The large meare that had been dug out by hand in the early 20th century, with the bright red House in the Clouds living up to its name.
Coastal Road Trip, Thorpeness, House in the Clouds, Julian, Jarno, Leiston, Suffolk
The House in the Clouds, originally built as a water tower, and now a pretty cool holiday house.
Coastal Road Trip, Thorpeness, Windmill, Leiston, Suffolk
In the 1920s and 30s Thorpeness Windmill had been used to pump water into the tank at the top of the House in the Clouds.

 

Aldeburgh

Coastal Road Trip, Aldeburgh, Beach, RSPB North Warren, Scallop, Sculpture, Benjamin Britten, Maggi Hambling
The Scallop sculpture at RSPB North Warren, designed by Maggi Hambling as a tribute to Benjamin Britten, the Aldeburgh born composer.
Coastal Road Trip, Aldeburgh, Beach, Boats
Boats on the beach behind the upmarket Aldeburgh high street.

 

Snape Maltings

Coastal Road Trip, Snape Maltings, Sculpture, Metal, Mirrors, Snape, Suffolk
One of the many sculptures at our next stop at Snape Maltings.  A fascinating place, with an amazing music venue, shops, artist workshops, sculptures and nature walks.  Quite a curious mix, but done so well, we were really impressed.
Coastal Road Trip, Snape Maltings, Barbara Hepworth, Family of Man (1970), Sculpture, Rainbow, Snape, Suffolk
A rainbow forming over Barbara Hepworth’s Family of Man sculpture.
Coastal Road Trip, Snape Maltings, Dovecote Studio, Snape, Suffolk
Anther dovecote, we haven’t seen one of these since leaving Scotland.  But this one had a modern take, and had been converted into a studio.

 

Orford

Coastal Road Trip, Orford, Orford Castle, English Heritage, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Orford Castle, Henry II’s splendid keep.
Coastal Road Trip, Orford, Orfordness Lighthouse, Quay, River Alde, Nature Reserve, Suffolk, Boats
Just down the road from Orford Castle, views from the quay across the River Alde to the Nature Reserve and Orfordness Lighthouse.

 

Felixtowe

Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe, John Bradfield Viewing Area, Container Ship, Port, Docks
The view of Felixtowe’s busy container port from the John Bradfield Viewing Area.
Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe, John Bradfield Viewing Area, Sunset, Fishing
Fishing in the UK’s largest container port.
Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe, John Bradfield Viewing Area, Sunset
A beautiful golden sunset across the water to Harwich.

 

Felixtowe Ferry

Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe Ferry, Beach Huts, Sunset, Dusk
Beach huts along the coast to Felixtowe Ferry.
Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe Ferry, Sunset, Dusk, Boats, Reflection
A final stop on our way to Ipswich for the night.   We looped a short way back north east to Felixtowe Ferry, and had stunning views over the calm River Deben, reflecting the yachts in the dusk light.
Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe Ferry, Sunset, Dusk, Boats, Reflection
Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight…. let’s see in the morning.

 

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