A Two Mile Spring Walk At Compton Bay

I was a bit cross when I saw all this litter on the beach

Winter could do with being about two or three months shorter, in my opinion.

I don't mind the autumnal colours of October and I love Christmas, but I really don't see the point in January and February. I'd forgo my own birthday if it meant we could get to spring a bit quicker.

We finally got a taste of the coming summer with a top notch walk at Compton Bay last night.

This is a really simple walk you can do, as long as you are fit enough to climb some steep steps and not so young or wobbly that you can't cope with a cliff edge.

Start at the Hanover Point car park, which is free for National Trust members

Park At Hanover Point

We parked at Hanover Point, as we have National Trust Membership (Ed: no need to brag). It's currently £2 an hour, so frugal sorts without membership might prefer to park at the free chalk pit car park on Military Road and change the route somewhat. 

We then walked along the beach in glorious sunshine, accompanied by a decent breeze that didn't quite blow away the cobwebs but certainly gave the cobwebs a good wobble.

Checking the tide times is essential, as there isn't a huge amount of beach in the winter months and you don't really want to be walking along right underneath the crumbly cliffs without a hard hat.

We timed it just right and walked along to where Hanover Point becomes Compton Bay (most people refer to the whole thing as Compton Bay, but the map says otherwise).

Eventually you'll reach the foot of the steps that lead up the cliff and towards Compton Farm. This is my favourite section of sand at Compton Bay, as it tends to be less stony and quieter.

The steps are steep and exhausting but the views at the top are excellent. You can then walk along the cliff path back to the car park. The cliffs here are gradually sinking and collapsing so for some of the way, there's more of a gentle slope down rather than a severe cliff. However, there are also some areas where there's a major drop down - so take care with children, dogs and wobbly relatives.

​The whole circle is about two miles.

As you reach the far end of the beach you'll find some steep steps up to the cliff