On Saturday under grey but brightening skies, the Five set off for a 12-mile jaunt along the South-West coastal path to Westbay via the Golden Cap. We arrived in Westbay for well-deserved and wonderful refreshments at the Ellipse before catching the bus back to Lyme in time to hear that Spurs had won 3-1 at The Hawthorns! Hoorah!
Along the South-West coastal path, on the way to the Golden Cap
The Golden Cap at 626ft, but Barry is otherwise engaged!
A rest stop after conquering the Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast
The following day in glorious sunshine, the Five set-off for a circular walk exploring the Dorset countryside and crossing briefly into Devon where we witnessed some hedge-laying activities. Also, Bill F and Ray took a closer look at the Cannington viaduct, near the village of Uplyme.
The Axminster & Lyme Regis Light Railway was authorised in 1899, built from 1900 and opened in 1903. Close to the village of Uplyme, it was carried by Cannington Viaduct which was something of a pioneer, being one of the first to be constructed from massed concrete. It comprises ten elliptical arches on tall, slightly battered rectangular piers with projecting blocks at impost level. Concrete parapets with recessed panels give ways to refuges over the piers.
The westernmost arch has exposed brick whilst the third arch from the west end has been reinforced by an infilling of two tied brick structures which are themselves arched. They are said to date from the time of construction - a consequence of subsidence. The line should have been the subject of a Board of Trade inspection on 18th May 1903 but this had to be postponed because heavy rains had caused damage to the structure. A train carrying local dignitaries finally christened the line on 24th August 1903. The branch was succumbed to Beeching's Axe on the 29th November 1965, but the viaduct survived and is now protected by a Grade II listing.
Carrington viaduct with the reinforced third arch
Carrington viaduct - Grade II listed building
On Monday morning, we travelled west to Beer and walked the short distance along the South-West coastal path to Seaton where we picked up the other car to return to Beer. Lunch was taken at The Anchor Inn in Beer. Someone who looked like The Hague turned out to be the Bard of Beer, an eccentric local character Michael Walton with flowing white hair and colourful garb. His writings were freely available inside the pub where he sat at his customary table for a spot of lunch.
