Wild Bivvy Camping on Chesil Beach. SWCP Westbay To Portland Dorset. 

Thank you Jodz, and sorry for the late reply. I am just back from a road trip back down Dorset and on to west Cornwall. I had to have another look at the beach, from a distance this time though. Yes proper love Dorset, hoping to get back again very soon. Thanks for watching and comment mate really appreciate it. Cheers and ATB. Jim.

Your welcome and no worries mate!! Its a killer section and nothing but respect to you!! he he always best to admire the chesil from a distance!! take it easy and look foward to seeing more vids from you! Peace : )

Thanks Ken, yes such a beautiful diverse coastline, just what you want. My next section is Osmington Mills to Swanage, another tough walk but one i can't wait to get started. Thanks for watching mate and ATB. Jim.

Thank you, and yes such hard going but what a magical place. A real sense of peace out there, wonderful experience. Thanks for watching and comment. ATB. Jim.

Thanks Mark, such a buzz getting this one done, a walk i was kinda dreading but wanted to do the challenge. The moment i started though i just relaxed and proper enjoyed it, fantastic camp out there so peaceful..loved it mate. Thanks for watching and ATB. Jim.

Thanks Alan mate, yes such a wonderful area, really looking forward to getting back down there, love that coastline and inland there are lots of great walks as well so will be doing a lot more exploring for sure. Thanks for watching mate really appreciate it. Cheers and ATB. Jim.

Thanks Si, yes proper tough going but i wasn't going to bottle it this time, psyched myself up for it. When i did the Ridgeway walk i could see just how long a walk it is from afar and up high, and being day three and knackered, took an easier route along the Fleet beautiful in it's own right, but it left me feeling like unfinished business. I'm the same at the moment Si, got very limited data so falling behind with everyone's vid's so apologies mate, hope to get a better deal soon. Thanks as always for watching and ATB. Jim.

Thanks Les, hell of a walk this one, couldn't have wished for better weather for it as well. So pleased to get to the end, but really did enjoy every tough mile. Cheers mate and thanks for watching. Jim.

Hiya Lee, yes such tough going on the old shingle and really slow miles, just didn't seem to be making progress, just keep the head down and keep going, that was the mantra. The best feature of the Osprey pack is the waist strap, it tightens right up and takes the pressure off the shoulders, good to have that, something for the stomach muscles to push on. I knew it would be pretty featureless on the bank so didn't really know how to film it, so wanted to show how it was getting to me, a warts en all vid. I set out a bit worried about how tough it was going to be, and after bottling it last time wasn't sure if i could do it. But the tough ones bring the best rewards for sure. Thanks for watching Lee, really appreciate your comment. Cheers mate and ATB. Jim.

Hiya Paul, i just had the camera running while the storm moved away not knowing that it would pick up the background sound of my radio so clear. It was only while editing that i heard it and thought "yes got to put that in" love the two Ronnies and that classic sketch. I felt the stars all lined up for me on this trip mate, wonderful walk. Thanks for watching Paul.

Jim Holden Very well done Jim Chesil Beast ticked off. You really drew me in, listening to the challenge that this epic walk has been for you Jim prior to and during especially walking on the shingle beach. Quite an undertaking. Superb Jim from start to finish. Inspirational. Paul :)

Hiya Nick, love this area mate been a few times now, so being offered some work down there was a big old Yes please, and all through the job i was psyching myself up for Chesil Beach a walk iv'e wanted to do since i did the Ridgway a couple of years back. Buzzing after that challenge, such tough going but what a camp, best yet. Cheers Nick and ATB. Jim.

Thanks Andy mate, love a coastal walk this time of year with the sea breeze and all that. Way too hot to head up high with a big pack, ill wait for it to cool down a bit before i go to the mountains again. This walk was a bit of a nemesis in a way, because last time i was here i just mentally cracked and didn't do the beach choosing a much easier route, beautiful in it's own way but i felt i'd failed so still had that feeling when i set out on this trip. Once i was on the beach i felt much better and the camp was special, best to date, but that final walk the next mornin near killed me talk about diggin deep. Nowhere to hide out there and no help either so just a case of head down and keep going. The sweetest feeling though once i'd recovered and started Portland. Probably my best walk as well when i look back. Hope you and the family have a good en mate down in Newquay, i'm due a visit there as well. Thanks for watching Andy and ATB. Jim.

What a wonderful comment, love the fact that my walks can inspire, it's always the hope, but man that's just made my day thank you and well done for getting off the tourist path and exploring more. Sounds like you had a great time. My next trip will take me from Osmington Mills through to Swanage with a couple of wild camps, hopefully around September and i can't wait. It's only when you get off the beaten track that the magic happens. Iv'e had some great trips out but the camera can only capture the highlights, the real joy comes when the camera is off. Love the peace and adventure of hiking, something that stays with me for weeks after. Thank you again for the positive feedback, makes it all worth while. ATVB. Jim.

I have Karl, it was copyrighted big time and agreed to have the music removed but YT proper messed it up. I’ve done a new edit that will be uploaded soon mate.

Oh , As you know it was one of my favourites, so inspirational for me.Hope your well bro.@@JimHolden

@@karlharris7585 All good Karl thanks, Up north for a few weeks living the dream in the Lakes. It was through you chatting about that walk that made me go back and check it out after years of not seeing it. I took it straight down as half the music was gone and out of sync in between so unwatchable. I’ve also taken another ten down for the same reason. Gonna re do them and get them back up, an archive series.

Ok mate enjoy , look forward to seeing you do another walk enjoying the isolation.@@JimHolden

Hiya Bill, i was saying to a previous comment about army training on this sort of beach. I understand that a test of mental strength is required for the military but what you describe sounds like hell, no way could i do that under orders, hats off to you Bill. This was a personal challenge, one that i bottled on a previous trip and to be honest had to dig real deep to get it done. The wonderful isolation with such great conditions and being able to share made this a very special walk for me, one that will live long in my memory. Thank you for watching and comment mate really appreciate it. ATB. Jim.

Hiya Dave, iv'e been to that chippy in West Bay, just join the queue and wait. Fantastic, tough walk this one, loved it and couldn't have had better weather for the beach walk, what a sunset. Cheers mate and ATB. Jim.

Thank you Dave, this was one of them walks that made me question my sanity a bit, but that's just how we are brought up..take care be safe don't do anything daft, mental constraints but wanted to feel that isolation out there and boy did i feel it, really lucky with the weather although did think i might come unstuck if the electrical storm had come my way but all good. Probably wouldn't do it again but treasure the memory. Sorry for the late reply Dave had to drop out for a while but back on track now. Cheers mate, hope you can get out there yourself one day.

It really was Gillian, but so worth it. The tough ones always bring the best rewards and this one was stunning from start to finish. Can't wait to get back down Dorset, proper love it there. Thank you for watching and comment Gillian really appreciate it. ATB. Jim.

Hiya Martin, yes that Dorset coast is such a unique beautiful area. Chesil beach is fantastic, loved this walk, very tough to walk the length but still loved it. Hope you have a great trip down there, i am a bit jealous, cant wait to get back. Thanks for watching Martin and ATB. Jim.

Yes a wonderful county and such a diverse coastline, can't wait to hit the next section towards Swanage. Thanks for watching, hope you have a good one there this summer. ATB. Jim.

Hiya Mike, yes a very challenging walk but i was aware and ready for it. When you look down Chesil on a clear day it just looks so imposing and not very doable and that's why i changed my mind last time round. I could see it from the Ridgeway and the closer i got the more i talked myself out of it, choosing the much more gentle walk along the Fleet. This time i'd psyched myself up so there was no way i was going to bottle it this time, and iv'e got to say my best walk and camp to date, loved it. I was a bit stiff for a few days but not too bad, the gentle walk around Portland helped i'm sure and i was up the next day for a little stroll. Thanks for watching Mike and ATB. Jim.

Thanks Wayne, yes it is a unique area for sure, and so hard going but wanted that isolated camp out. With the perfect weather my best camp so far. I expected a storm that's why i stopped at the pill box, the only shelter out there, thankfully it moved away instead of towards me. I was worried when i saw the lightening though. Cheers mate and ATB. Jim.

Yes it was a tough one Mick but well worth it. To have a place like Chesil to myself with such great weather, priceless. Bit of unfinished business after bottling it last time round. Thanks for watching Mick and ATB mate. Jim.

Thank you Jenna, I love Dorset, it’s got the best coast line and Chesil beach is so unique. I planned to walk it the year before when I did the South Dorset Ridgeway, hoping to return along the beach, but to be honest I knew it was too much to take on at that point. I do a lot of solo walking wild camping but never really experienced solitude like this before, I think it’s being separated from the mainland by the Fleet. I couldn’t help thinking “now you are alone” and the further I went the more I felt it, that what if some thing went wrong thought. Don’t get me wrong, I proper loved it. Thank you for watching Jenna really appreciate it, hope you get a chance to do it your self one day. Jim.

Thank you and yes an epic walk that maybe i shouldn't have bothered with, very tough in that sun, but looking back a wonderful experience. Really appreciate your comment and for watching, i was only watching you Low Fell hike last night, lovely part of the Lakes. Cheers and ATB. Jim.

Thank you John, yes it was very hard going but that wonderful camp out made it worth while for sure, my best camp so far. I really didn't expect the weather to be so glorious, totally against the forecast that was for rain and possible storms so didn't pack a hat, not a sun hat anyway. Lesson learned though ill have one in the pack from now on. The wild beach flowers were lovely and full of Butterfly's and Bee's a wonderful sight and sound. This was a challenging walk in many ways but one i really enjoyed, they say that the tough ones bring the best rewards. As always John thank you for your comment and of course for watching. ATB mate. Jim.

Yes proper tough Paul, I think that’s why I bottled it when I did the Ridgeway, kinda knew it was too much after two days walking. When I was working down there it felt right to give it a go and couldn’t have wished for better weather, perfect sunset, full moon and that electrical storm in the distance just wonderful. Thanks again mate.

Beautiful area Dorset, and the coastline has some great features..Chesil beach is probably it's best. Beast of a walk but that camp was special. Thank you for watching and ATB. Jim.

Thank you Eric, this one had to be warts and all, being a bit featureless i didn't know how to film it so wanted to show how it was getting to me and how i coped with the toughness. After bottling it the last time i wasn't sure if i could even do it so thought if i fail ill film that as well. The moment i hit Chesil beach i relaxed and enjoyed every step even the tough ones. Thank you for watching and comment Eric really appreciate it. Jim.

Thanks Phill, yes the lightning storm did worry me a bit but when i could see it was moving away i could sit back and enjoy it. Stunning camp mate one of my best so far, the walk was tough but what a feeling once it was done. I can't imagine how hard it would be to run on that sort of shingle under orders Phill, hard enough when i'd psyched myself up and really wanted to. Thanks again for watching and comment. ATB. Jim.

Thanks Mike, a stunning area this, Dorset has some real gems, Chesil Beach being one of the best. A very tough walk but so worth it. Hope you have a great trip to the New Forest, another favourite of mine. Cheers Mike and ATB. Jim.

I was so intimidated by this walk, one i really wanted to do but unsure if i could handle it. Not for the toughness but the fear of that isolation, being stuck out there filled me with dread but in a way i was relishing it, such mixed feelings. If that storm had come my way i could have been in trouble, that was the worst case scenario. What a walk though, one of my best experiences, because at the end of the day i go out to get some peace and on this one i got that for sure. Thanks for watching Sev mate really appreciate it. Jim.

Thank you Jerry, yes the beach was so isolated, but the peace..perfect camp got to be my best so far. Loved this whole trip, can't wait to get back down there. Cheers mate and ATB. Jim.

Thank you. The SWCP is a wonderful trail, the section from Penzance to St Ives is probably the best bit, well for me anyway. Cornwall is so dramatic, but like i say in this vid " Dorset comes pretty close " more diverse, and this walk stands as one of my best experiences. Really appreciate you watching and comment. Cheers and ATB. Jim.

Thank you James & Kirsteen, i saw lots of divers at the end of the beach, just on the edge of Portland. The sea there was so deep and clear, as i climbed onto the island i could see them moving around under water. I heard that the Dunkirk rescue was practised along here as the coastline mirrors the French side, lots of evidence of it at West Bexington. You could get a boat across the Fleet as the fishermen do, save on the tough walk. This was such a tough challenge, with hindsight probably shouldn't of bothered but looking back such a wonderful experience. Thanks for watching guys hope you can get down there one day for the scuba diving trip. ATB. Jim.

Hiya Philip, just as i hit Chesil i thought that. I always knew it would be a great place to camp and with the weather i got made it perfect. That last few miles nearly killed me though, wonderful to walk into the visitor centre for a big breakfast after that. I did think about you as i walked round Portland and remembered your kind offer of a park up. I will be back though Philip as i was in a daze on that path and didn't film too much, so really want to explore some more there. Thank you for watching and comment really appreciate it. ATB. Jim.

I stopped at the car park hoping to get a drink but the cabin had just closed. All along the beach i was amazed at the wild birds and loads of Rabbits, i did wonder if maybe Fox's were out there with all the ground nesting birds but didn't see any. Wonderful area, really enjoyed this trip. Thank you for watching mate really appreciate it.

I don't remember Portland much Colin after Chesil, just buzzing after that tough walk but proper loved it. I will get back to Portland to do a camp and to do it justice soon i'm sure. Thanks for watching mate, hope you are well and ATB. Jim.

Hiya Martin, sounds like you had a wonderful time out there. Yes Chesil is a magical place, i was so lucky on my trip with such beautiful calm weather, lots of people have commented how wild and spooky it can get when the weather turns. Cheers mate and all the very best. Jim.

The edge of Chesil Beach just drops off into very deep water, and the shingle is unstable. The advise is to stay clear from the edge, if you fell in, there is no way out. On this sort of beach there are no compacted areas to walk so the flattest bit is the way. The easy route would have been down the inland side but at this time of year there is a strict no access down there with all the ground nesting wild birds. So it's a slog and that's why i had to psych myself up for it. Not the sort of walk i would normally do but the challenge was, after choosing the easy route last time i was there. Looking back this was one of my best outings, they say that the tough ones bring the best rewards and it was so true on this one. Really appreciate you watching and your comment, thank you. ATB. Jim.

Thanks Paul, yes another adventure done but this one was a big one for me, proper worried me going out onto that beach, real tough going but enjoyed every step even the tough ones. Cheers mate and ATB. Jim.

That was my first view of it, i arrived before the sun came up and couldn't believe the view as it slowly came in to view. Been fascinated ever since. When you are walking the full length it really does go on forever, such slow progress. Cheers mate.

Thanks Leona & Chris, the distant storm did worry me a bit but i could see it was moving away so sat back and enjoyed the wonderful lightening strikes. A very tough but beautiful trip, one ill remember. I have the same problem with not being on line much only mine is lack of data so can only watch when i visit the kids. Hope to be back to normal soon. Thanks for watching guys really appreciate it. ATB. Jim.

Thanks Paul, yes it was a tough one mate but so worth it, that sunrise was special after a perfect camp. Loved it out there. Cheers mate and ATB. Jim.

Hiya Olly, me too mate but this was part of a circular i did the other year but bottled the beach, been fascinated with it since. So working down there i knew it was fate giving me another chance. Westbay is beautiful and a great start point. All through the job i was psyching myself up for it. I'm a decorator Olly, helping some friends with there holiday let. Love Abbotsbury and St Catherine's chapel. There are so many great walks in that area, i'm hoping to get back myself soon. Thanks for watching Olly and ATB. Jim.

I find it interesting how so many of us behind these channels are also involved in a trade of some form. I'm a carpenter and cabinet maker, although I currently have a less-glamorous full-time job. All the best.

To be honest Boyd the wonderful weather took me by surprise, the forecast was for rain and even a storm so a sun hat wasn't on my list. I know this time of year i should probably have one in the pack so lesson learned. Thanks as always mate for watching and comment. Cheers and ATB. Jim.

Thank you, this was such a mental challenge for me, such a buzz though once complete. Cheers and ATB on the trail. Jim.

Thank you Samantha, this was a tough one but loved it all the same. ATB for 2019. Jim.

Thanks Tony, i felt fantastic after this trip, still got a smile on my face mate. Had to dig proper deep at times but so worth it. The plan was to have a dip in the sea but it was way too dangerous mate, a very steep bank down to the shore and the water was deep. I feared going in and not able to get out, it was that steep so stayed clear. Thanks as always for watching mate and ATB. Jim.

Jim Holden good decision. Can't really tell from vid how deep or steep it was. Hope the scalp isn't peeling lol

Yes Mike this was a tough one for me and i knew it would be. The toughest part was the walk from Westbay to Chesil. It was tough walking but also incredibly daunting, the isolation that i craved was starting to do my head in but all those negative thoughts dissolved the moment i stepped on to that unbelievable beach. A tough walk but kinda perfect looking back. My next big walk is to continue East along the SWCP from Osmington Mills to Swanage along the Purbeck hills about forty miles with a couple of wild camps. Just researching now and hope to get on the trail this side of Easter. That will be all of the Dorset coast path done, proper excited to get back out mate...if this weather ever picks up.

@@JimHolden Best of luck doing it, Jim, and I cannot wait to see the film. I know what you mean: I'm waiting for the spring and when i can get back out on Dartmoor. Crawling back from a heart attack, and films like yours motivate and keep my spirits up. Take care, Jim, and ATVB - Mike.

Thank you Steve, proper loved it down there mate and can't wait to get back. Cheers and ATB. Jim.

Wonderful trip this one Shaun, love Dorset and this beast of a beach has bugged me for years. The weather was perfect but when i saw the storm in the distance it did worry me a bit, the storm the night before went on for hours but this one thankfully moved away. Hoping to get on to the next section soon. Cheers mate and thanks for watching. Jim.

Thank you, this was such a tough walk, not only physically but on a mental level as well. If that storm had come my way i would have been in big trouble, thankfully it went the other way and i had the best wild camp to date. Wonderful trip, thanks for poppin by. Jim.

Hiya Mark mate, this was a long walk before i got to Chesil Beach, so wanted to film as much of the wild flowers and Butterfly's as poss knowing that the bank would be featureless in comparison and yes so lucky with the Butterfly. Beautiful area Mark, love Dorset and that beach walk was a beast, such a tough one but when the sun went down and the distant Lightning storm moved away instead of towards me i knew it was a special trip. Loved every step even the tough ones. Thanks as always Mark for watching and comment really appreciate it. ATB. Jim.

I felt proper drawn to this beach after walking the South Dorset Ridgeway the year before. I did plan to walk it then but it was so intimidating looking down from above Abbotsbury so walked along the Fleet instead. Also a stunning walk. When i found myself working in Westbay last year i knew it was the perfect time to give it a go. Nearly finished me off though, but the tough ones are the best for sure, that sunset and rise with the electrical storm in the distance, just doesn't get any better. I love Dorset, had some wonderful walks there. I will be doing another section of the SWCP from Osmington Mills through to Swanage soon, really looking forward to that one but for now GOWER. Thanks Phillipa.

Enjoy Gower! Weather looks lush. Enjoy every minute.

And if you make it to the amazing Cwm Ivy salt marsh, go at high tide. It will blow you away.

Thank you Andy, appreciate you watching mate. ATB. Jim.

Thanks Bounda, best camp iv'e ever had mate, perfect in the bivvy shelter. Didn't really go dark with the full moon, just a wonderful trip all round. Thanks for watching and ATB. Jim.

Thank you Anthony, best compliment ever that and one i really appreciate. This walk was done with lots of soul searching, i knew just how hard it was going to be and in a way relished it. Very tough as i said but so rewarding. Thanks again mate and ATB. Jim.

Thank you Tim, a wonderful experience, very tough but wonderful. I thought when i got to Portland i would just find a nice pitch and chill out for the rest of the day but the path was lovely and before i knew it was almost done. I will be going back to Portland for a camp soon though as i was in a trance on the path and don't have much memory of it, just buzzing after getting Chisel done. Thanks for watching and comment Tim. ATB. Jim.

I too have done the inland route, and a beautiful walk along the Fleet it was, but had planned to do the beach at that time. Unfortunately backed out on the last minute and always regretted it. This trip was just about putting that to rest. What a fantastic experience it was, not only was it stunning with perfect weather but a very moving time on the bank. Totally isolated with real moments when i thought i couldn't go on. Digging deep and going for it step after step taught me that even when you bite off much more than you can chew you can still do it. One of my best walks for that reason. Really appreciate your comment and of course for watching. ATVB for 2019 and i hope you get a chance to do the walk one day. Jim.

The visitor centre is were i had a massive breakfast at the end, the staff felt my pain and were so good to me giving me extra jam for my toast and a coffee on the house so a big thank you to them. The weather was perfect and against the forecast which was for rain and maybe a storm so this could have been such a different experience. Thankfully they got it wrong and i enjoyed a wonderful sunset and rise along with a full moon, first time that for me. Such a special bit of coastline this James, i really hope your health returns soon so you can get out. The camp was the most peaceful and gentle as i could ever hope for, one i would recommend. Thanks as always mate for watching and comment, take care and get well soon. Jim.

That beach can be very dodgy in winter storms Jim, or any kind of storm I guess, you're strongly advised not to go fishing along there in such weather, high winds etc etc. If you get blown into the sea chances are you wont get out again, very steep sloping gradient from the beach onwards, from the beach to deep deep water very quickly sort of thing, ( that's what makes it such a good fishing mark, done quite a lot there over the years ). Anyway thanks again and well done once again, if and when I ever decide to walk it myself i'll know what to expect...

I was just replying to another comment on why i didn't go for a dip in the morning James and that's exactly as i saw it, way too steep down to the edge and so very deep. Gave me the willies just looking at it, no way would you get out of that sea even when it was so gentle, so dread to think what it would be like in a storm. The pill box off it's foundation like it was told me everything.

Yeah don't think i'd ever chance it Jim, The Fleet at the back though looks like a great wild swimming spot, never ever tried it as yet but, thanks again JIm.

Thank you.

Hiya Mike, when i did the Ridgeway i could see Chesil in all it's glory and the closer i got the more i talked myself out of it. Always regretted not getting it done then, but this time i was so ready for it and the weather was perfect in every way. The lightning storm worried me though, thankfully wasn't coming my way. Not the place to be in a storm, but the pil box was the shelter if it did come. I saw Chris Bonnington on Wetherlam once walking towards me, i just politely said hello instead of shaking his hand and telling him what a hero of mine he is, couldn't quite believe it. The music is the last track on an old meditation cd of mine, had it for years and surprisingly not copyrighted, iv'e used all the other tracks on other vids but this is the first for this one, it's called Mandala from the cd Lifescapes. Thanks for watching mate, and ATB. Jim.

Bluekillion : Many thanks Bluekillion I’ve located it thanks.