Sandbanks to Hastings

I’ve been looking forward to this walk. It’s a historic part of rural England that, more likely than not, I’ll not see again. If you don’t consider your own mortality as you get older then you’re avoiding the most significant part of life. Death. I won’t walk the South Downs Way or through the New Forest again as David Smith. 

Maggie dropped me off at Leeds station this morning and the trains were mostly on time. Down to Birmingham, change on to the Bournemouth train, bus to Sandbanks and a 5 mile walk back along the beach to the hotel where I’m spending tonight. What is it about stations that make me sing ‘Homeward Bound’? S&G you nailed it!! Compare Leeds station…..

…. to Birmingham New Street.

Six hours on trains and then an open topped bus to Sandbanks ferry terminal, where I finished my South West Coast Path walk nearly 5 years ago. What a spot.

And the final link up. I’ve done John O’Groats to Lands End and on to Sandbanks ferry….

….and now I’m off to Hastings. What a lovely part of the world this is.  Looking west to Old Harry Rocks in the distance. Old Harry always rocked for me. So did our Mick.

The weather was perfect. Cop this beautiful view of the Costa del Sandbanks.

And the property on this little bank of sand is the most expensive in the UK.

The beach runs up against the chalk cliffs as you walk eastwards towards Bournemouth.

My rucksack is heavy and I’m going to need a couple of days before it feels normal again. Lots of Russians and Romanians on the beach. Probably investing in the local property. The pier at Bournemouth appears and if you see just above the sea line to the right of this poor quality photo there is a barely perceptible pale smudge. That’s the Isle of Wight that is. 

Up the cliffs with my rucksack holding me back like a reverse tug of war, and the view westwards back into Dorset was stunning in the waning sun.

And the final shot on top of the cliff showing a great statue of the RAF display team. Looks real at cursory glance!

Great great afternoon. Loved it. Into the New Forest tomorrow and the forecast is for cold and wet weather. It’ll be a bit chilly in that tent! Nae bother. 

Night night. X