Whether the weather…
be cold, or whether the weather be hot …
as the poem goes, March is traditionally the month of changeable weather – “in like a lion and out like a lamb” – but this year, February was just as unpredictable. (March has been roaring a bit this week though!)
After a rare early fall of snow at the beginning of the month, the end of February brought several record-breaking warm sunny days that saw the beaches almost as busy as summertime. The unseasonal warmth has encouraged all the signs of spring we long for at the end of winter: hedgebanks spangled with primroses, celandines in the grass, delicate white flowers on blackthorn and bullace, golden tassels on the hazel bushes wavering in the breeze, and a haze of green buds at the roadside. And the birds are starting to sing from hedges and trees – not long till the dawn chorus will be in full throat.
The right time to visit
The West Dorset countryside is lovely at any time of year, but especially so as Mother Nature wakes up and throws off her brown winter coat in favour of her vibrant green dress. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a rural break in one of our special cottages, with walks through the fields to see the wildflowers (bluebells are especially lovely hereabouts), to forage for seasonal greens including wild garlic, listen to the woodland birds, and watch lambs enjoying the new grass.
Fresh air and a reward for your exercise
Several of our cottages are only a short distance from the Southwest Coastal Path, which offers dramatic views of the Jurassic Coast from Portland to Beer Head on a clear day. The local pubs like the Anchor Inn, the The Clock Inn and the George Inn will set you up with fresh-cooked seasonal food and local ale after your walk – what could be better?
If you’re feeling energetic, you can set out on foot, but for an easier walk, why not drive to the car park just up the hill from Chideock at Langdon Woods, from where you can walk in the woods, over to Stonebarrow hill, or scramble up to the top of Golden Cap for a spectacular viewpoint. You can download a couple of walks from the National Trust, or see a clip of Julia Bradbury’s recommended route.
Book now!
Our cottages in central Chideock that are handy for the coast path include:
- Chideock Cottage (sleeps 3-4)
- Pound Cottage (sleeps 4)
– and if you want to take your dog for a seaside walk, the good news is that Gingerbread Cottage, Pound Cottage and The Burrow all take pets, and your dog will be welcome in all three pubs!
