It was a nice day for a drive, even though the fog looked like it would turn to cloud rather than burn off during the day. We were heading for Cerne Abbas, then Weymouth and finishing with lunch at West Bay. We wound our way along several country roads but much of our view of the countryside was obscured by hedgerows, low cloud and fog.
Our fiirst stop was the Cerne Giant, the “rude man” chalk hillside figure. Views of the giant from the car park were limited and on a nicer day you could walk further up the hill. Instead we did take the scenic walk into Cerne Abbas, a lovely little village made famous by the Cerne Giant. Everything was closed apart from the local newsagent but all the locals we saw were friendly and greeeted us with a “happy new year”. There was even a house with an outside stall selling gluten free museli bars for trampers at £1. An interesting mix of houses from Tudor to Georgian.
Onto Weymouth. Weymouth is quite an extensive seaside town in southern Dorset with a long sandy beach, Georgian houses lining the promenade and a marina. Most of the little shops and cafes were closed on this New Year’s Day but tourist shops and department stores such as Debehams were open. There were many people out walking. Poeple seem to go out in all weathers. I suppose days are so short that you make the most of it, whatever the weather.
We wound our way to West Bay and the Watch House Cafe for lunch. The road was undulating and curvaceous with two-way traffic and beautiful rural views. At some turns you could catch glimpses of the water. We arrived in West Bay to very heavy rain. Too wet to look around the town or the Bay which is the scene of the series Broadchurch, our destination was the cafe. Anthony was disappointed. He was expecting luxurious seating and a three course meal. Instead he found a busy dog-friendly cafe with insufficient seating for the number of people. The cafe is part of “the Hive” and boasts upmarket food in friendly surroundings – dogs and muddy shoes welcome. We were lucky that a couple were vacating the table at the entrance. We perched and ordered – hive beers brewed for the Hive at The Puddleton Brewery, seafood pizza and seafood soup for two. The food was delicious. But constant procession of people coming and going, many with wet soggy dogs in tow. We decided to forgo coffee. I wanted to buy the cookbook but Anthony convinced me that it was too heavy!
Dorchester Tesco for groceries on the way home and home before dark. Lots of large puddles on the way. I don’t think I would fancy being here during a rainy spell. The roads would be quadmires, especially the laybys where you pull over to make way for passing cars or tractors! We had some trouble lighting our fire when we got home. The wind was blowing down the chimney and filled the cottage with smoke and set off the fire alarm. We persisted though and here is the result.
Travelling with Teresa 
Your first picture of Weymouth shows the restaurant I used to work in!
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How random is that ??
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