SWCP Day 47 Chapman's Pool to South Haven Point 4K

The final day!!!
It's 7am and I'm walking along the top of Emmetts Hill looking down on Chapman's Pool and what is left of the coast path coming down from Houns Tout. It is easy to see why I had to follow the diversion into Kingston yesterday. The sun is out filling me with joy after the weather the previous day. Not even the 183 steps down and the 218 steps back up the valley before St Aldhelm's could spoil the start to my day. After all that was the last set of ladder like steps I would be facing.
I spent a few minutes exploring St Aldhelm's Chapel before moving on, passing the Coastwatch station and a memorial to the pioneering radar work carried out here during World War II.
The path skirts around the edge of Winspit Quarry, located in between the hills of West Man and East Man. Shortly after I passed some rather tired and wind battered path walkers packing up their tents at Seacombe Quarry.
The walk felt easy on towards Dancing Ledge, the path surprisingly dry considering the rain the previous day. I was soon at Anvil Point providing me with one last lighthouse to enjoy as I walked on past Tilly Whim Caves and into Durlstone Country Park.
After rounding Durlstone Head and passing the castle, the path became busy with family's and dog walkers as I approached Peveril Point and Swanage.
I started to feel a little strange at this point, not physically, but the realisation of the end started to creep in. I wasn't ready for this to be over. I stopped in Swanage for a drink, perhaps to delay the inevitable.
After walking around Swanage Bay I climbed up Ballard Cliff, the last climb, I wonder how many cliffs I have walked up (and down) over the last 630 miles?
Ballard Cliff led to Ballard Point and onto Old Harry Rocks. The beautiful formation of white chalk cliffs and stacks contrasting against the turquoise sea. Another wave of sadness hit me when I realised from here I could see all the way down Studland Bay to the finish.
I enjoyed one final cider at the Bankes Arms before arriving at Studland Bay.
I removed my shoes and walked the final couple of miles through the water. As the tide ebbed around my feet the aches of the previous miles slipped away. Memories from the last 3 years came flooding back to me, the hills, the sweat, the rain, the sun, the smell of salt, the camping, the pain and most of all the joy.
I rounded the corner into Shell Bay where I was surprised to be met by some of my family and my dog Monty. A few extra steps and that was it, I was stood in front of that famous blue sculpture that marks the end of mine, and so many others journeys.
What an adventure, what a journey, what a joy, what a loss it is now over.

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