Golden Cap - highpoint of England's south coast
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Join us on a walk from Stonebarrow Hill to Golden Cap and back again! We're some ODL members on holiday from 'up north' and this is the first of two walks we're sharing this weekend. The second event is the following day and the event page is here.
Saturday's event is a circular walk of 8 miles / 13 kilometres, with 490 metres of ascent, that takes in the summit of Golden Cap and returns west along the coastal path. Golden Cap is 191 metres / 627 feet in height and is visible for many miles along the coastline. Golden Cap, withs dramatic cliffs, is the highest point on the south coast of England. Its name derives from the distinctive outcropping of golden greensand rock present at the very top of the cliff and it forms part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site. Erosion of the coastline below reveals rock formations spanning approximately 185 million years of the Earth's history and many significant fossils have been found there.
Today’s walk initially takes a loop inland before approaching the high point of Golden Cap from the east. We’ll then follow a length of the South West Coast Path, heading west, and probably including an afternoon stop on the beach before returning to the start point. Bring a towel and beach gear with you!
If the event is fully booked, join the wait list as people frequently drop out during the week before an event and you are likely to get a place on the walk.
Dogs: well-behaved dogs are welcome on the walk, but must be under control at all times and on a lead where necessary.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Photo credits: photos courtesy of Geograph:
Stile and signpost to Stonebarrow Hill
Licensed for reuse: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Rob Noble - geograph.org.uk/p/2665546
Broom Cliff with Golden Cap in the distance
Licensed for reuse: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/3166014
Low tide at Charmouth beach
Licensed for reuse: cc-by-sa/2.0 - © M Etherington - geograph.org.uk/p/394624
What to bring
Hey, it's summer so the weather could be warm. Sunglasses, a a lightweight hat and sun lotion should definitely be in your backpack. But English weather can be variable, so be prepared!
Boots: your most important piece of kit: comfortable, waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be ok.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter. Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to grab.
Water and other fluid: bring between one and two litres, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink is a good idea.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with hand sanitiser, bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for personal use only) is a good idea.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, snacks for along the way and plenty of fluids (hot or cold) to drink during the walk. It could be hot and keeping well hydrated is recommended!
The 'Crazy Cow' is a small barista coffee trailer offering hot drinks, homemade cakes, cream teas and ice creams on Stonebarrow Hill at the Old Radar Station (near to the start point).
A toilet is also available for use at the Old Radar Station.