Author Archives: Leigh Hatts

A dead dolphin has been washed up on Bournemouth beach. It was found yesterday near Durley Chine and could be the same one seen in difficulty in Swanage Bay on Sunday. At the end of last month a healthy seal … Continue reading →

The Sandbanks television programme did not do much for the area’s reputation. It was not a rounded picture with no mention of the ferry, St Nicholas Chapel, the excellent year round 150 bus service or the shop. It even ignored famous … Continue reading →

A three part series over three nights on ITV is devoted to Sandbanks at the western end of the Bournemouth Coast Path. The sandy peninsula lies within the borough of Poole with just one road entry although some motorists arrive … Continue reading →

Coast is new book containing stunning pictures of the Bournemouth Coast Path. Copies of the 176 page A4 hardback book, published by the Bournemouth Daily Echo, suddenly appeared in local shops days before Christmas. There had been a delay with printing. … Continue reading →

The New Year is a good moment to remind walkers that the long closure of Alum Chine’s suspension bridge in the Sandbanks-Bournemouth Pier section is over. It’s a clear walk all the way now. Planning permission has been given for … Continue reading →

Former footballer and BBC sports commentator Bob Wilson has described Hengistbury Head as his favourite place “just ahead of Bermuda”. “Hengistbury…embodies the magic of the British coast” says Bob in today’s Sunday Times Travel section. “I used to run round … Continue reading →

The West Cliff path leading down to Bournemouth’s Pier Approach has re-opened following the Labour Party Conference. During the last six days, the Highcliff Hotel has been packed with ministers and media whilst the land train, usually only seen in … Continue reading →

The exclusion zone around the Labour Party Conference on Bournemouth’s West Cliff is now in force. The site embraces the Bournemouth International Centre and the Highcliff Hotel. Walkers approaching along the clifftop from Durley Chine must turn left inland into … Continue reading →

In Bournemouth the long suspension bridge spanning Alum Chine is closed and it looks as if repair work may take some time. But there is no need to make a long diversion. Simply go down the easily missed steps at … Continue reading →

The Cliffhanger refreshment room has opened at Highcliffe on the site of the much-missed Crow’s Nest cafe which was destroyed by fire seventeen years ago. The new name reflects the location above the coast path steps leading down to Chewton … Continue reading →