Thorness Bay and Rew Street

Another sunny day, another walk in the blisteringly hot (for the UK anyway) sunshine. I parked at the end of Rew Street, in Gurnard, just past the River Luck, and followed the narrow footpath along the clifftop. As I walked, I disturbed countless brown butterflies and was serenaded by the chirping of grasshoppers in the neighbouring fields. The verges were bursting with wildflowers. The path wound alog, dipping in and out of the shade of trees, and suddenly turned a corner to reveal the glittering blue sea of Thorness Bay below. The path got even narrower as the cliff had fallen away. I paused here and admired the view of the sea, studded with boats, swimmers, and the wake from jet skis and motor boats, and listened to the shrieking of children playing below. In a tree across the landslip I noticed a pair of raptors - probably buzzards but I am not completely sure. Impressive anyway.

I continued along, following the path down past the old 'huts', evoking memories of childhood weekends spent here with friends, making and eating pizza and relaxing. Good times. The path continued towards, and then parallel to, the beach and led across a field to a farm track. I turned left here and followed it to Whippance Farm and then to the main road. Turning left I took my life in my hands and followed the pavementless road, full of blind corners and speeding cars, until I got to Rew Street.

Rew Street still lacked pavements, but was a little less windy and had less cars so I pottered along in a more relaxed manner. Along the way I paused to buy some Broad Beans from a roadside stall, and then bumped into an old friend at her farm, so stopped for a natter. Lovely.  Shortly afterwards I returned to the car, cool in the shade, and drove home for a well earned cold drink!

Route: https://gb.mapometer.com/walking/route_4573057.html

Distance: 4.4miles

Thorness Bay