It takes a little more effort to get to it being down the end of a 10km gravel track then a walk (we took the longer 1 hour option). We could have been on a footpath anywhere in the Purbecks except that the sun was shining and it was a gloriously warm day.
As we crested the sand dune ridge there was a glimpse of things to come.
This absolutely fabulous deserted beach with the waves funnelling in between steep sandstone cliffs. Having read, and taken heed of, the Lonely Planet's warnings of strong undertows Nikki was a bit wary of swimming, but starting shallow and edging out there seemed to be no currents pulling and she had the best swim of the holiday so far
Unfortunately the tide was in so we couldn't complete the loop and walk back to the car park along the beach so didn't see what was past these wonderful rock arches.
We did, however, manage to find a different footpath along the top of the sand dune ridge to take us back.
On our way back east we followed another local recommendation and stopped at the Mussel Inn for "tea" (missed lunch somewhere today). They stock some marvellous local ales and Colin would have quite happily stayed there for the night but as duty driver Nikki was unwilling to stay sober and sit and watch him enjoy himself. So we had a pint and hit the road to stay in Motueka for the night, halfway between Nelson (our next port of call with friends of friends) and the ferry at Picton.
Saving the best till (almost) last, eh? Have you kept a note of how far you have driven in NZ? It would be interesting to know the mileage!
ReplyDeleteOnly thought about keeping a record of mileage in South Island in the camper. To date we've clocked up 3600km with a day to go. Too early in the morning to convert that to "real money". A little over 2200 miles isn't it?
DeletePhew, well not surprised. Have been following the place names on Google maps, and it looks like a tremendous long way round.
ReplyDeleteYou go all that way and you've ended up at Bedruthan! Can't see the difference meself!,...apart from the weather, the lack of intrusive humanity littering the place with their presence, and....... Was the beer as good as Sharps? Eh? Eh? Yes..now you're beginning to doubt I can tell......
ReplyDeleteYup, Bedruthan would do it for us too but as you say the sun isn't shining there at the moment and may not for the rest of the summer. The beer was pretty damned good so we'll just stay here thanks for a bit more! Off to vineyard country North Island tomorrow and yes I know there's a vineyard outside Wimborne but..............
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