The National Trust website describes this walk as 'moderate ..... with paths which are well maintained but naturally uneven'.  They also say the walk is 6 miles. I think this walk is difficult and includes a very long steep climb up a path and steps, and a section with steep steps downwards with a very uneven surface made of flints. This particular short section may not suit anyone with vertigo as there is no barrier or fence between the steps and a steep drop. My phone App measured the walk nearer to 7 miles.

Branscombe is a beautiful village set in a stunning valley, most of which is owned or managed by the National Trust. There is a 19th century  mill, an 18th century Forge and an old Bakery to visit ( Mill is currently closed) There is also a stunning beach and a very good beach front cafe.

Beer is a beautiful fishing village with a lovely beach and lots of cafes and restaurants. If any GOC members wanted to take part in the day out but felt the walk might be unsuitable for them they are welcome to join us in Branscombe at the start of the walk and/or  at Beer for our lunch break. They are only a few minutes drive apart and are full of things to see and do.

Between Beer and Branscombe there are a short section of white chalk cliffs. They are the most Westerly chalk cliffs on the Jurassic Coast and I have heard a Jurassic Coast Geologist say there is no explanation as to why they are there. We will clearly see the contrast between the older red cliffs and the younger chalk cliffs on this walk.

We will begin the walk passing the Old Mill before the first of our steep climbs to join the coastal path. We will see views over the beach before descending to Branscombe Mouth. We will see the anchor of the MSC Napoli the container ship run aground at Branscombe in 2007. We will then walk up the second steep climb and steps to the top of the hill where we will have lovely views to Portland Bill one way and Start Point the other. We will then walk on easy flat grassy paths before descending into Beer. This path is not the Coastal path itself.

At Beer there are Beach cafes and public seating areas for those who bring a picnic. We can have a longer lunch break of one hour in Beer if the group wishes, to allow time to look around the town, beach, visit a cafe.

On the return walk we will ascend an easier climb ( less steep and quiet tarmac roads, easy paths) then we will branch left on to the coastal path proper. We will then descend some steep and uneven flint steps which have no safety rail and a drop to the side. We will then walk along a path above the beach but below the chalk cliffs and pinnacles and will see a cave. This path continues to be uneven with a flint surface until we reach an area of seaside holiday cabins and arrive back in Branscombe.