January 2nd 2025 - A New Year

Blimey it’s a new year already and almost a full year since I started my coast path walking, it was Jan the 19th to be precise, South Haven Point to Old Harry Rocks. I cant believe the year has gone by so quickly.  Am I pleased with my progress, well no not really.  I have to be honest I did expect to have more of the path completed than I have. There have been reasons for me not doing as many walks as I’d hoped and that’s ok as I have always said it will take as long as it takes and there is no rush. Checking back I have actually only done 9 walks in total for 2024, but, I have covered South haven Point to Old Harry Rocks both ways and West Bay to Exmouth, though not all of it both ways. I still have to do West Bay to Seaton from east to west yet. I hope to finish that bit soon and I am looking forward to it as the views from Thorncombe Beacon and Golden Cap are amazing.

I aim to manage more walks this year, at least 15, hopefully more but, as I say, there is no rush. I do, however, expect to complete the whole of the Jurassic coast this year, both ways including the Isle of Portland.

Looking back over the year have there been any high and low points (apart from being at the summit of Golden Cap and down at sea level, lol) well ermm I guess there has. My lowest point would have to be the return journey from Branscombe to Sidmouth, I really did struggle to get back to Sidmouth. My high point (and there were many to choose from) would be the Hooken landslip between Beer and Branscombe, despite falling down some steps and giving myself a massive bruise on my hip half way through!  It was like being in a completely different world going through there.

Have I learnt any lessons from my first year? Again, yes. The main lesson I learned was to know my own limitations, I’m 65 now not 25. I need to pace myself better and take more time doing shorter stretches of the path. The benefits in doing this are I don’t risk being as exhausted as I was getting back to Sidmouth, I can enjoy the scenery and experience more and I can include my other hobbies more as I walk, taking pictures and filming for my YouTube channel.

I have also learnt to double check my backpack before setting off and making sure I have plenty of water and Energy snacks.

I have found walking the coast path both physically and mentally beneficial.  It is exhilarating, stimulating (do they both mean the same thing, I don’t know), challenging and rewarding and leaves me with a feeling of fulfilment and achievement (oh god, am I getting all philosophical now, HELP!).

I cannot express the benefits of the coast path enough and would recommend anybody who’s able to, to give it a go, however short a stretch they do.

Today, (2nd Jan) we had a family walk along Seaton seafront in lovely winter sunshine and it really got me wanting to get cracking on my walks again so hopefully I will get out on Saturday 4th and walk the Cogden to West Bay stretch.

Here’s to a great 2025 for walking the SWCP.