Weymouth to Lulworth Cove

Well that was a good one. Eight of us on this trip, I will not do a role call as I’m bound to get at least one name wrong. To paddle below the cliffs of the Jurassic Dorset coast at least once a year has to be a must do paddle for anybody in our region, I’m sure that a basic knowledge of geology would have made it all the more interesting. Following yet another long drive for a good number of us we met at Bowleaze Cove car-park, which purely by chance, turned out to be a popular launching site with at least one other group turning up at the same time. We finally got on the water, regulation thirty minutes late, just as well that there are no real tides to worry about along this stretch of coast The weather was exactly as forecast force two or less with a clear sky. This all led to one of those balmy relaxed paddles, taking in the sights along the base of the cliffs and stopping for plenty of photographs. It’s not until you take a reference point, such as gulls at the cliff top that it registers how high these cliffs are. We passed under the arch at Bats head and dodged the snorkels in Man-o War bay, before arriving at Durdel Door. Durdel Door always creeps up on me just appearing as a rocky outcrop until I’m right on top of it. On to Lulworth for a relaxed lunch, at the far quieter end of the cove. On the return trip, just as forecast, the wind rose slightly to a moderate three for a short period, giving rise to a few small waves just to keep us awake. We arrived back at the launch point at 4:30pm pretty much as expected. Once more thanks for the good company of all those that attended.

Written by Peter Moyse



Below the chalk cliffs.

just to give it a bit of scale.

through the arch at Bats Head
Durdle Door.