This walk was planned for Easter 2020, and I've been talking about it since Chesil beach way back when. A linier walk from Osmington Mills through to Old Harry. A quick look at the map though and the ridge just jumps out at you. I just couldn't get it out of my head "How could I bring the ridge into play" with the fantastic Castle half way along Wow! tantalising. The plan had to change. A simple circular instead, both walks in one and the excitement of getting on with it has burned deep in me for months, maybe years. Osmington to Worbarrow has been walked before but The Isles of Purbeck was unknown, never stepped foot on it, this is where the real joy comes from, seeing something for the first time. Tynham and the Castle have been visited but Purbeck just wasn't on my radar back then.
Easter week 2022 I had a week in the van on a farm next to the Castle, just a reccy, a couple of short walks to get some strength back in the legs. I walked most sections but it was grey, windy as hell with some side way rain, and not a flower or leaf could be seen. Still winter colours all round. It was just what I needed though and was lovely, but I wasn't there to walk the whole path or to film it, just wanted a feel for the area. Even with the bad weather I could see how special it is and knew once Spring emerged even more so. So second weekend in May I was back and the weather was good and Spring was in full flow. Many surprises on the path with rare birds round every corner.
Alfred the Great my personal favourite King has some history down here, a monument to his great battle against the Danes (Vikings) in Swanage bay sinking 120 long boats out there. It was Alfred that started the royal navy utilising the boat building skills of the Vikings and realising that to defend these Islands he had to meet the enemy before they arrived. Purbeck feels like an ancient kingdom to me and tried to run a narrative through out but on the cuff just didn't work, a good thing as it weighed in well over an hour with all the chat. I know even at 50 minuets it's going to be too long for most but this video is for you, filmed with you in mind. You being the ones that watch till the end of all my adventures and always come on and chat after watching. My friends out there I want to thank you for sticking around and to apologise for my absence over the last couple of years, pre 2020 I was semi retired but went back to full time contract work once we couldn't travel and I know it's been back to normal for a while but my commitment had to run for two years and the good news is that I'm done. Back semi retired and will only work for two weeks per month moving forward. So lots of plans and a fire in my belly to get out on a regular again.
This walk, and edit has been my obsession- meditation-peace, for weeks now I hope you find the same joy watching as I have in the making. Love and Peace to all.
