Weymouth, Dorset

Last weekend we took a short break in the pretty little seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset.
The weather had threatened to be rain, rain and more rain but we managed to miss a fair bit of it and go on some lovely walks.

We arrived Friday afternoon and had a little look round Weymouth beach and harbour.

On the first full day we explored the coast around Bowleaze as far as Osmington where there is a lovely costal walk that is unfortunately gradually crumbling in to the sea.

 Looking back at Weymouth Bay

 Bowleaze Cove

Looking back at Bowleaze Cove

White horse hill

 Lodmoor RSPB nature reserve

Weymouth beach (starts with pebbles and gets nice and sandy closer to the town)

On the second day we went in the opposite direction on the costal path towards Portland as far as Ferrybridge and back along the Rodwell trail (a disused railway line).

 Nothe Fort

 Sandsfoot castle

Ferrybridge

Walking back along the Rodwell trail

We spent a bit more time on Weymouth Esplanade and beach on Sunday afternoon before the rain.

  Jubilee clock in memory of George III

Crows on the beach

Not a walk but a boat trip on the Thames

Today I was very lucky and got treated to a trip on the Thames. The weather was beautiful and I got to see lots of Grey Herons, 2 cormorants, a great crested Grebe, Coots, Swans, Geese, a Moorhen, loads of interesting Ducks and some Parakeets!

Chiswick Quay West London

On the good ship Solitaire

We travelled from Chiswick Quay, past Strand on the Green, up to Kew

Then on to Richmond Hill and Ham House before turning round at Teddington lock for the return journey. 

The scenery is amazing on this stretch of the Thames.

Ickleford and Oughtonhead Common

Today I went on a little 10km walk to the village of Ickleford via the River Purwell

Finally got a small picture of one of the cheeky crows that live near us.

River Purwell

Ickleford church

Oughtonhead Common

Whilst siting by the river this cheeky labrador jumped in, I got splashed at one point and the water was freezing but he looked like he was having a grand old time.

 English Longhorns live on the common

Evening walk

Yesterday I decided to go for a little walk (about 5km) in the evening, I took my bat detector and went in search of bats and a sunset.

I saw bunnies, a spaniel, partridges and finally some bats but I did not manage to get any decent photos of the wildlife, they are particularly camera shy round here.