An Afternoon at the Ledge

How long it takes to get to get to Dancing Ledge is up to you! The walk along the cliffs from Durlston will take an hour or so if you want to rush, longer if you take time to read the landscape around you page by page. From Langton it takes barely 20 minutes: the walk is easy and the view, when you reach the ridge, across to St.Aldhelm’s Head hits you in the face much more powerfully than the wind. 

Yesterday was blowing well, I knew that from my wave watching at Durlston just a few hours before, but wind can do nothing but improve a walk here. Roe Deer can be seen along the hedge rows here, keeping out of the wind, and two separate families were on show. It is always good to see this year’s youngsters doing well and both family groups had successfully increased the small numbers that we have on the Isle of Purbeck. Later a lone Roe Buck, a big lad at the peak of his fitness, burst from the undergrowth and ran from a Lurcher that was doing its best to keep up but there was more power in the deer’s legs and the dog soon gave up. I have a similar dog and it is a reminder as to why I keep mine on the lead when there are deer around.

Dancing Ledge was deserted when I got there but the waves didn’t care who was watching and continued to hammer the rocks with far more force than any quarryman. Cracks are visible along the cliffs and they widen with every impact: it was obvious that the next fall would not be too far away as the process of erosion reshapes our coast. 

When it is time head up the hill it is impotant not to forget to look behind you, you leave the sea soon enough so make the most of the views while you can.