Old Harry Rocks
Just before the New Year, on the 29th of December, I’d had enough of staying indoors and fattening up. Something had to be done! I’d been taking the bike out here and there, but I felt like I really needed a challenge—a longer ride, maybe a bit off-road.
While enjoying my morning coffee, I started exploring the Komoot website, looking for a route to take me out there. Challenging, but not something that would kill me quite yet.
Initially, I was thinking of going quite far from home, maybe taking the train back. I researched train times, ticket prices, and whether I could bring my bike on board. The answers were promising, but then I realized that if I followed an off-road route, the bike would be absolutely covered in mud—not the best idea to bring aboard a dirty bike.
The route:
“Okay,” I thought, “I’ll head to Old Harry Rocks and then just follow the bike trail before rejoining the road. That should be fine. Let’s go!” The GPS was charged, as were the safety lights. Headphones in—I might listen to an audiobook. Then came the gear: cycling padded bibs for comfort, especially on bumpy off-road sections; a cycling jersey; thick socks; and waterproof trousers jacket to keep the rain off my skin. I finished gearing up with winter cycling boots and gloves—both waterproof, obviously. I’d invested so much in this cycling gear that it needed to earn its keep!
Bike out of the garage, GPS on, safety lights on, backpack packed. I decided to take my camera—not the best idea, but I figured I could manage some nice pictures. I packed a couple of snacks just in case. I should’ve brought a second jersey for warmth, but I forgot. Water bottles loaded, and off I went—forgetting the bike lock, again!
The first part of the route was familiar—very familiar. I’d ridden through here many times. The initial stretch was part of my daily commute. Just before Upton Country Park, I took a left, following the cycling trail around Holes Bay. I love it here: far from cars, close to the water, with views of wild birds and boats. On a windy day, though, it’s less enjoyable—there’s no protection, and the wind can feel biting and relentless in winter.
After passing the bay, I reached Poole. By the train station, one of the National Bike Trails begins, though I wasn’t joining it there today. I wanted to pass by the quay to enjoy the crowds and noise.
It was busy—maybe too busy. I had to slow down for people many times, but that wasn’t a big problem. I had the whole day ahead of me. Joining the National Bike Trail, I passed Parkstone Bay—a wide cycling path separated from the walking path. The views were stunning, and it was a joy to be there. I stopped to take a picture on my phone.
I followed the route through Lilliput, the posh Sandbanks area, all the way to the cable ferry. This ferry would take me across to the Studland and Godlingstone Nature Reserve. I bought a ticket for the crossing and couldn’t help but laugh—it cost only one pound! Everything feels so expensive these days that this felt almost comical.
The ferry ride took four minutes, and then I was on the other side.
I followed the road briefly before the GPS directed me left onto an off-road path through the reserve. This trail was bumpy, with a fair share of puddles. At one particularly large puddle, I hesitated. “Turn back?” I thought. But then the inner voice chimed in: “Where’s your sense of adventure? Just go through it—you’ll be fine!”
So I went for it. The water was as deep as it looked, and my feet were submerged as I pedalled. Then I hit the mud. My bike got stuck, I lost my balance, and down I went—left foot, left hand, right foot, all soaking in the puddle. Great! I was going to be wet for the rest of the ride.
But I stood up, lifted the bike, and started laughing. It was just water—and mud, lots of mud—but I wasn’t hurt. I used water from my bottle to clean the GPS, handlebars, gloves, and as much mud off as I could. Then I rode on, still laughing.
The trail continued through the reserve, crossing a paved road and winding through bushes and hills. The views were stunning, though the downhill sections were scary. At one particularly steep descent, I decided to walk along the bike. Better safe than sorry.
Eventually, the route led me to Old Harry Rocks. The area was busy with walkers, and I waited for the crowd to finish taking pictures before snapping one myself. After a quick sip of water, I checked the GPS for the next section: a massive three-kilometre climb.
I wasn’t ready for it, and my heart rate skyrocketed. I had to stop, catch my breath, and push the bike more times than I care to admit. But I made it to the top, where a long descent awaited. It was bendy and bumpy—challenging enough to keep me on high alert.
Back on the paved road, I ignored the GPS’s suggestion to return to the off-road trails. Nope, not today. Back to the ferry, across to Sandbanks, and then—oh joy—still 13 kilometres to go. I was ready for bed already!
Hunger struck as I neared home, and I gave in. Stopping at a petrol station, I grabbed a huge bottle of Coca-Cola and some milk. Tesco was closed, but it didn’t matter—I’d forgotten my lock anyway. No way was I leaving the bike unlocked ouside.
At home, I ordered pizza, took a warm shower, and reflected on what a day it had been.
Loved it!
Kimmeridge bay
It was Saturday, and I had just finished my coffee. A thought crept in: maybe I should go and take some pictures! Find out if I can still use that camera of mine.
Great idea, why not? The weather was more than fine—the sun was up, with just a few clouds scattered here and there. So, where should I go? Perhaps Corfe Castle! Maybe I could capture some shots from afar, from a nice viewpoint. Yes, that sounded perfect.
The Vehicle of Choice: Motorcycle!
I hadn’t touched it in over three months and wasn’t sure if it would start. Maybe the battery had gone flat?
I prepared my camera bag and selected the lenses I planned to use. My lenses are consistently heavy, which can be punishing when I carry them all and walk a lot. That’s why it’s important to plan the day and decide on the type of photography I’ll focus on.
For the day: the zoom lens, as I planned to shoot from a distance. But just in case, I decided to take the wide-angle lens too. It wasn’t much heavier—just 800 grams—and it could be useful if I decided to get closer.
I put on my motorcycle gear and boots, packed my backpack, grabbed my tripod, and headed to the garage. The backpack was loaded into the top case, the tripod secured on the seat (since it didn’t fit in the top case), and I was ready to go.
The moment of truth: starting the motorcycle. Success! The advantage of having a garage meant the bike stayed in better condition over the cold winter days.
On the Road
I left Poole and headed toward Wareham, retracing one of my cycling routes. I passed through a nature reserve I’d enjoyed before—Arne Nature Reserve. Thankfully, I managed to find my way.
I stopped here and there, taking pictures, observing, and searching for better frames. Corfe Castle appeared in the distance, and I tried to get a good picture of it. Unfortunately, the lighting wasn’t quite right.
I got closer, hoping for better results, but it still didn’t work. The light was uncooperative. I decided to try something else. Checking the map, I searched for the nearest beach, bay, lighthouse, or some stones in the water. Maybe I could experiment with long exposures. I had the tripod, the lens, and hopefully the filters too.
Google Maps suggested Kimmeridge Bay, just ten miles away. I entered the destination into my bike’s GPS and set off.
The route took me through narrow, scenic country roads—beautiful but dangerous! Wet, muddy, with sharp bends and climbs, and I’d forgotten how to handle them. Still, I arrived without any real issues.
Arrival at Kimmeridge Bay
From afar, I could see the breathtaking view: the road descending toward the water, the hills, the sea, and the sand. It was stunning! I paid the entry fee—a pound and a half for motorcycles, six pounds for cars. Another win for taking the bike! The attendant was quite chatty, pointing out where to go and what to look for. She commented on the lovely weather, describing the fields as painted with “all shades of green.” Magical.
I parked the bike and looked for coffee to warm up, as the cold had started to seep through my thick motorcycle gear. Luckily, a van in the car park was serving coffee. I ordered a coffee, a baguette, and a “naughty” muffin. It warmed me up, and I didn’t complain.
Exploring the Bay
I descended toward the sea, trying to capture images of the rocks and water. But the harsh midday sun wasn’t ideal for photography, and the results were disappointing.
Cold and a little disheartened, I was preparing to leave when a friendly, chatty woman approached me. She was an amateur photographer too and suggested I wait for the sunset and head in the opposite direction for better shots. I was ready to leave, but her enthusiasm was infectious.
We talked about cameras, lenses, cars, computers, weather, and photographers. Her energy convinced me to stay a little longer and try my luck again.
Walking along the bay in full motorcycle gear, heavy boots, and carrying a loaded backpack wasn’t the best idea, but I soldiered on.
I scouted frames, checked the light, and moved from spot to spot, slowly improving my results. Patience was key as I waited for the tide to come in and the sun to descend.
The woman—was her name Sue? I’m terrible with names—joined me again. She wasn’t happy with the light and decided to try something different. Meanwhile, I continued shooting.
Eventually, I met her again as I was heading back to the motorcycle. She showed me her pictures, and I was speechless. WOW. She had used a filter and captured stunning long exposures: colorful rocks embraced by creamy water, dramatic skies, and an orange sunset. Incredible work! I need to get back there someday and bring a filter of my own.
Heading Home
The sun had set, leaving no light. It was cold, and it was time to head home. The ride back was challenging—narrow, muddy, and wet roads with sharp bends—but it was worth it.
I had a lovely chat, took some decent pictures, and learned a thing or two.
Commute
Shortly after finishing my morning coffee, I put on my cycling equipment and take the bike out of the garage.
Whether it’s freezing cold or raining, this habit remains unshaken. It brings me joy and happiness, contributing to my daily good mood, physical exercise, and mental well-being.
I turn on the front and rear lights, start the GPS, and, when I remember, bring the chain to lock the bike. I keep a second lock at work, but sometimes I go for a pint or shopping after work.
As I begin pedaling, I quickly put distance between myself and the house. I turn right, carefully cross a busy road, take another right, and head straight onto a path that cuts through a small forest near Creekmore Ponds.
Sometimes I encounter people walking their dogs, running, or simply enjoying a stroll. I always say hi to them, and they always respond. Nice people around here.
The path merges briefly with the road, where I need to be cautious—cars can appear unexpectedly.
After a few hundred meters, the path diverges from the paved road and disappears into nature.
This part is particularly enjoyable: green grass lines the way, there are no cars and just a bit of gravel. It feels safe and comfortable. The path crosses a couple of busy roundabouts and then runs through Uptown County Park.
This section is such a pleasant ride. It feels even more enjoyable thanks to the absence of cars. The path descends under thick tree branches, which create a dark, serene atmosphere in winter, and a beautifully diffused light on sunny days.
After a quick left turn, the branches open up to reveal a breathtaking view. It’s so calming and uplifting that I often stop here. Many times, I’ve nearly been late to work, caught up in the beauty of this spot.
On foggy mornings, when thick clouds rise from the ground, the city’s buildings are barely visible across the water.
On sunny days, everything is clear: the bay, the lush trees, the vibrant colours around, the city’s skyline with its buildings and cranes.
Even on dark, cold days, when the bay is only visible through the city lights reflecting on the bay’s surface, the view remains captivating.
These differences, this ever-changing display of nature and the city bring me joy every day, no matter the weather.
After pausing to take in the view, I continue through the park for another hundred meters. Just beyond this section, there’s a stretch of road where water tends to collect long after it rains. I always slow down here, trying not to get splashed or drenched.
Soon after, the path exits the park. Taking a sharp left, I rejoin the paved road and face the traffic once more.
Drivers tend to be more mindful of cyclists in this area, but it’s still important to stay cautious and alert.
When the cycling lane ends, I make a left at the junction, another left at the next, and then a right. And just like that, I’ve arrived at work.
A fresh start…
of Sorts
I feel inclined to start this story at the beginning, some forty years ago. I do enjoy storytelling, and I've been told that I'm quite good at it—so much so that I should write a book. Not everyone shares this opinion, of course. I've also been told differently, especially when I swear. So, I’ll keep profanity out of this space.
A fresh start. A blank page. The beginning of a new life. When I say "a new life," I tend to divide my memories into distinct chapters—different lives—especially when something major shifts or changes. For instance, when I moved to a new place with friends and a different entourage. A new life, a different one, full of new things and wonders. Oh, the excitement that brings… and the anxiety.
Some months ago, I had to relocate due to a horrendous event. I won't name or recall all the stress, struggles, and fear of the unknown that came with it. No, this is about hope, positivity, growth, passion, light, and order. I’ll keep the chaotic darkness out of this space.
A fresh start: a new job, new colleagues, a new company, and a new house. A new route to work, new places to explore and visit. New friendships to forge, new photos to take, and so many memories to create. I can feel my spirit rising.
I am so lucky! I have so much to be thankful and grateful for. I feel truly blessed right now. I get to do work that excites me, work that challenges me in so many different ways. I have a family that cares deeply about me and friends who would drop everything in a moment if I needed them. And I haven’t even started talking about where I’m living!
Dorset—one of the most beautiful counties in the UK. Blue seas with golden beaches, charming towns, a rich history, and countless landmarks to visit and explore. And the landscape? Oh, heavens! I can’t wait to start exploring and capturing it all in photographs, just like the good old days. The wonders I’ve seen and the ones I look forward to immortalizing! And the local scene? Fantastic pubs and absolutely superb restaurants. What’s not to enjoy?
Yes, there’s the distance from my loved ones, the friendships I’ve left behind, the fellowship… but hey! Enough of that. This is a happy, positive post!
I’ve been here for more than three months now. I’ve wanted to start a new blog for a while. I’ve "always" had a blog of some sort. Back in my heyday, around fifty people checked my entries daily. Look at me, bragging again!
I enjoy the routine of this “new” life so much. The coffee in the morning, the commute to work—whether hot or cold, dry or rainy—I happily choose to cycle. It brings me joy and puts a smile on my face. If the weather is nice, I savour the views and the quiet path through the park. If it’s cold and miserable, I smile because I put myself through it and made it. Sure, I could choose the comfort of the car, but where’s the fun in that?
Then comes the start of the workday: the greetings from my colleagues, the problems and solutions, the routine, the novelty, the jokes, the banter, and the seriousness.
The commute back often includes a stop—whether for groceries or a quick beer at the pub. I’ve started enjoying a post-work beer. Why not two? Maybe some nachos? Yes, the most exquisite, please!
My after-work routine is still seasonal and evolving. I enjoy taking photos, reading again, and listening to audiobooks. The joys!
The plan is… to make a plan. To write, to post, to get out there, to discover, to explore, to live and to enjoy. My new life, my fresh start!
