Author Archives: Leigh Hatts

Sir Percy Shelley, son of the poet Percy and writer Mary, was born 200 years ago today. His second name is Florence because Mary Shelley gave birth to her son in Florence. Exactly thirty years later ‘young Percy’ bought the … Continue reading →

This weekend the Brexit crisis focus is moving from Westminster and Brussels to the Bournemouth International Centre beside the coast path. The Liberal Democrat party conference is at Bournemouth’s BIC from Saturday 14 September to the following Tuesday. Brexit is … Continue reading →

An Artist’s View of Jurassic Dorset is a charming book looking at the Dorset coast from Lyme Regis to Sandbanks Ferry. Each of the thirty poster style paintings by Richard Watkin is accompanied by a description of the scene and … Continue reading →

The coast path between Chewton Bunny and Barton-on-Sea has been in daily use by walkers for many years. Indeed some might say that it should have been claimed as a public right of way since the cliff has been walked … Continue reading →

Sandbanks Ferry is out of action and no service is expected until Monday 12 August at the earliest. This surprise news follows a difficult winter for people living on the Isle of Purbeck when the annual November closure lasted into … Continue reading →

Admiral William Cornwallis gave his fortune, house and name to a dynasty which included royalty and Churchill. On Friday 5 July the seaside village of Milford-on-Sea will be marking the 200th anniversary of his death with a church service, window … Continue reading →

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt was on the Bournemouth Coast Path early yesterday looking at the view, giving an interview, posing for photographs by the pier and buying the first ice cream of the day. Few recognised him as he walked … Continue reading →

The Duke of Gloucester is visiting Highcliffe Castle on Thursday morning 30 May. His Royal Highness, an architect, has paid several visits to Highcliffe Castle and has long taken an interest in its restoration. Afterwards the Duke will be on … Continue reading →

Highcliffe Castle is preparing to welcome the Duke of Gloucester who will re-open the zig-zag, a vital part of the Christchurch Coastal Path, and open part of the castle never seen before. HRH is due to visit on Thursday 30 … Continue reading →

The cliff erosion between Barton-on-Sea and Milford cliffs means that the coast path is now a permissive path. The line of right of way has fallen into the sea with a route now being open only thanks to landowners allowing … Continue reading →