A Dorset interlude

I've just returned from a fabulous week in Dorset. The plan was to get novel #2 to 60K words before leaving and happily I hit that target. That meant a week free from writing to walk, indulge in pub lunches (& Dorset beer), cream teas and lots of reading. You'll be pleased to know all those goals were also achieved. After a complete break from writing my head emptied (in a good way) and I'm already back on the novel with a target of 65K words by the end of May. I did hope to find some inspiration for new short stories during the break, but unlike my writing chum, Wendy (read here about her Italian holiday), nothing surfaced. I've learned not to push ideas, knowing they will come ... usually when least expected.

For now here's some photos of Dorset:

We stayed in Chideock in Greenwich Cottage, literally 15 min walk from the sea and the South Coast path. This was the view from our bedroom (left). Greenwich and Chideock cottages are owned by the lovely Heather and Alan, who welcomed us on arrival. Plus they left milk, wine and cookies! If you fancy a break in Dorset then I'd highly recommend either of their two cottages for a base.
A bonus was the local bus services, which ran on time and were reasonably priced. We took the bus to Bridport on market day and walked down to West Bay (above right) for lunch. Then back along the South Coat path to Seatown and Chideock.
Another day we took the bus to Lyme Regis and again walked back along the cliffs ... over Golden Cap (>700 ft).

Eventually we made it to Colmore's Hill (below), which seemed to appear wherever we walked in this part of Dorset. An atmospheric spot on top and 360 degree views (on a clear day!).

From there we descended into Hell Lane (right), as spooky as it looks.
The weather got a little damp for our last day so we returned to Lyme Regis as tourists, taking pasties to eat on the Cobb. I reckon these were the steps (below) that Louisa Musgrove tumbled down in Jane Austen's Persuasion (Chapter 12), into the arms of Captain Wentworth. What do you think? Apparently, Lord Tennyson, on visiting Lyme wanted to be shown the "exact spot where Louisa Musgrove fell" - so clearly I was in good company!