Author Archives: Leigh Hatts

The suspension bridge in Alum Chine is mentioned in Cyril Connolly’s The Unquiet Grave. He stayed in nearby Branksome Chine and walked across the ‘quivering planks’. So it is interesting to read in a new book by Hugh Ashley, In … Continue reading →

Expect to find quiet Barton-on-Sea slightly a little more crowded than usual on Tuesday 10 July. It will be 101 years since a monument was erected at Barton-on-Sea to recall the WW1 Convalescent Depot. The centenary last year passed with … Continue reading →

Highcliffe Castle is now open again following the winter closure. The hours are Sunday to Thursday 10:30am–5pm. Friday and Saturday opening times can vary if there is  a wedding. Admission £2.50. Coast walkers can pass through the grounds free from 7am … Continue reading →

There is a little blossom at the west end of Cherry Tree Walk on the West Cliff. Lots of buds are on other trees although some half way along, where there is high ground, have been hit by the recent … Continue reading →

The England Coast Path proposals for Highcliffe to Calshot have now been published. The ECP is a government initiative to create a continuous coastal path round England. The Natural England report for Highcliffe to Calshot states that its recommendations generally … Continue reading →

The coast path in Dorset has two of the top 30 beaches says The Times. Studland Bay is number 12 with its “gently shelving bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks and across to the Isle of Wight”. More … Continue reading →

  A committee recommendation to reopen the Christchurch Coastal Path at Highcliffe Castle is going before the Christchurch Council on Tuesday. It is expected that the full council will approve an allocation of funds which would see the short but … Continue reading →

Poole Council has detected movement on the cliff just west of Canford Cliffs Chine. Minor falls were reported early last year and as a result markers were placed on the cliff below Cliff Drive. Now there is fencing on the … Continue reading →

The first day of 2018 saw people walking on the Bournemouth Coast Path. It was not too cold and there was even some sunshine.

This weekend Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October is the last one for visiting Highcliffe Castle until March next year. During the winter there will be restoration and building work to allow for more of the castle to be open … Continue reading →