Lyme Life Walks with Francesca Evans

Exploring Langdon Hill, Golden Cap and Stanton St Gabriel

Start: Langdon Hill National Trust car park, Chideock, Bridport DT6 6EP

Distance: Approximately 3 5 miles

A little outside of Lyme Regis, my latest Lyme Life Walk takes you on a figure of eight route around Langdon Hill woodland, up to the highest peak on the south coast –Golden Cap – before descending to the medieval hamlet of Stanton St Gabriel and returning to the woods

The starting point for this walk is the National Trust car park at Langdon Hill, which is accessed via Muddyford Lane, off the A35, between Morcombelake and Chideock

Head south following the accessible pathway into the woods for about half a mile before turning left, off the main path and onto rougher, slightly more challenging terrain, signposted towards Golden Cap

While this is a much easier way to reach the highest peak on the south coast – rather than starting right from the bottom in Seatown, it is still a steep climb through two fields and up steps to the top of Golden Cap – standing at 191 metres high

Of course, once you catch your breath, the climb seems more than worth it for those stunning view across Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast, and back across the West Dorset hills

Once you have had a well-earned rest and taken in the views, it’s time to head further west, descending from Golden Cap into the valley

After crossing a small stream, follow the path further in land, taking you across a wooden bridge, before heading back east to the medieval hamlet of Stanton St Gabriel

This was once a thriving hamlet, dating back to 1086, where people made a living from farming and fishing Today, much of the land now belongs to the National Trust and is farmed traditionally so that there are rich and abundant flower meadows

Only the Elizabethan farmhouse and a small thatched cottage dating from around 1700 remain, as well as the ruins of St Gabriel's Chapel, said the be built in the 12th century when a newly-married couple washed up in the hamlet after two days at sea in storms that forced them to abandon ship

The groom, Bertram, prayed to St Gabriel to save them, promising to build a shrine to him wherever they landed His prayer was answered but his bride died in his arms as he carried her ashore Bertram was distraught but honoured his pledge in building the chapel

After passing the chapel ruins, it’s another steep climb back up to Langdon Hill Swathes of wildflowers, including bluebells in the spring, surround a woodland footpath, which eventually rejoins the main path around the wood of Scots pine and larch, with more outstanding views over the West Dorset countryside

The main Langdon Hill path itself is an easy, 1 4 mile walk that is accessible for those with prams or mobility scooters but the diversion around Golden Cap and Stanton St Gabriel – while only about 3 5 miles in total – is more challenging with a few steep climbs and stiles Walkers with dogs should also note that there are often cows in the fields along this route

START POINT: Start at the Langdon Hill National Trust car park, off the A35 between Morcombelake and Chideock

Golden Cap – the highest peak on the south coast –offers stunning views both across Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast, and back across the West Dorset countryside

To be held this year on Thursday 24th August at West Bay, The Melplash Agricultural Show is the day everyone in the area looks forward to

Now in its 176th year it still brings the country to town to celebrate the best of rural life by the sea!

Almost every aspect of rural living is represented, from the finest cattle, sheep, goats and pigs in the area, the newest tractors and farm machinery, to traditional agricultural crafts and the best home-grown produce.

As well as the opportunity to see the best livestock and horses in the area competing for the top prizes, there will be an amazing showcase of local talents in the horticulture, floral arts, homecraft, wood craft and bees’ competition marquees

Alongside the competitions and agricultural displays there is a fantastic range of free entertainment around the show field for the whole family to enjoy.

In the Bradford’s main ring there will be the sensational motorcycle stunt team – Moto Stunts International – who will be performing a fantastic adrenalin packed display of death-defying stunts and, Bob Hogg with his sheepdogs, will be entertaining the crowd with his hilarious sheep and geese herding demonstrations

A full programme of activities will be running throughout the day in the Kitson & Trotman Countryside Arena including terrier and ferret racing and falconry on horseback , and in the Discover Farming marquees, where there will be lots of food and farming fun to enjoy

Across the three fields there will be over four hundred trade stands selling everything from plants, jewellery, clothes and crafts, as well as businesses providing valuable home, work and life services

For the food lover there will be locally produced food and drink to sample and buy in the Porter Dodson Food Hall, cooking demonstrations by local chefs in the Moores Biscuits Cookery Theatre, a great selection of street food available around the site and Palmers Brewery will be running the legendary Melplash Inn

It really is a perfect day out for all the family, offering something different for everyone

The show is open from 8 30am to 6pm Admission is free for youngsters under 16 years and adult tickets cost £18 in advance available at www melplashshow co uk, or £20 on the gate (card only) Exclusive membership options are also available with details on the website above

FREE SHUTTLE BUS FROM LYME REGIS AND CHARMOUTH

There is a free shuttle bus running from Lyme Regis, Chideock and Bridport throughout the day to and from the showground Well behaved dogs are welcome on the buses See timetable at www melplashshow co uk

To keep up to date with what is going on visit www melplashshow co uk or follow on social media: Facebook, Twitter or Instagram