3.9 km along the coast and 5.7 km inland
Part of section 60 in the SWCPA handbook
As we were returning home to the New Forest today we planned a fairly short walk. So we drove to Branscombe, rather narrow roads following the Sat Nav but although the National Trust car park we were aiming for was full, parked at the Village community centre car park, where Frodo just fitted under the barrier. Having coffee let is have change to make a donation into the wishing well, a really friendly way to pay for parking.
At First a steep path lead us over the hill to Beer, then past the pleasure gardens and down through the village to the beach. For the first time on this trip it was warm enough to tempt us to swim in the clear, but cold sea.
The assent, initially along the road, then past the car park, was enough to warm us up for a picnic lunch of Tesco smoked salmon rolls with the view of Beet and the cliffs, though a couple sitting nearby on the grass had gone further and opened a bottle of Champagne (or at least something similar).
It’s an easy grassy ascent to Beer Head and then the views change to show the next length of the coast towards Exeter.
There is a steep and narrow descent with Covid concerns making passing a little confusing at times, but impressive undercliff walk eventually past a few static caravan to Branscome mouth. The sun tempted us to both swim and enjoy an ice cream. Before walking back to the village and drive home.
