Dorset Photos by Hetty
2nd May 2023 Abbotsbury Swannery
We were a week too early for cygnets but there are hundreds of swans. They are so used to people that they build nests on and by the paths. They were repairing nests, turning eggs and flying. Mr H helped feed them. It was lovely.
There are just six back swans
2nd May 2023 Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
The magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias were flowering, as well as bluebells, and there are some characters from Alice in Wonderland
Chesil Beach, the Fleet and the Swannery from the view point
Mr H crosses the rope bridge
2nd May Abbotsbury village
The huge thatched tithe barn
Next: Mapperton Back to beginning of holiday
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4th November 2017 7 miles Map of walk
We parked by Chesil Beach, which is an unusual pebble beach that for 13 km is separated from the land by the Fleet lagoon
and walked round to Abbotsbury, where little remains of the abbey that used to be there
except the large tithe barn
We walked up St Catherine’s Hill, which protects the village from the sea
We will walk up to the ridge above the village later
St Catherine’s chapel
Lovely views from the chapel
In the west the sun was shining on the cliffs in the distance
In the east we could see the Fleet Lagoon which stretches from Abbotsbury to Portland harbour
Back down in the village
An arch from the abbey
St Nicholas Church
This ancient carving may be 11th century
In the porch is an effigy of one of the early abbots – probably late 12th century.
The wooden pulpit has musket ball holes from the Civil War – 1664
There are lots of thatched cottages here, and in lots of the villages in Dorset
Notice for traction engine drivers
17th Century coaching inn
Walking up onto the ridge gave a good view of St Catherine’s Hill, the village and the Fleet lagoon
The coast to the west
Abbotsbury Castle – an iron-age hill-fort
A lovely view of the Fleet
We could see inland too – 360 degree views
The Isle of Portland is only connected to the mainland by a causeway
We arrive back at Chesil Beach
