The first 'alert' on this new page is the landslip at Charmouth, Dorset.
(Book III - Section 41 - Charmouth to Bridport.)
In less than two years since the reopening of this section of Coast Path eastwards from Charmouth towards Cain's Folly the path has been closed again because of another extensive land slip. Dorset County Council has put a temporary diversion in place and the route is described below. In addition to site notices, maps showing the diversion are to be provided at key locations. Details of the diversion now follow:
Charmouth (Stonebarrow) Diversion
At Charmouth leave the Coast path in Lower Sea Lane (west of the footbridge over the River Char at GR 36529320) and turn northeast along a tarmac lane called River Way and at the end continue along a gravel footpath to reach Bridge Road. Carry on northwards up this road to the junction with the main village road, The Street. Turn eastwards along The Street to Newlands Bridge and fork right into Stonebarrow Lane. Continue up this narrow lane for nearly three quarters of a mile (1150m) taking care of the traffic. At the top of this lane a car park is reached. Immediately turn sharp right to find a four directional signpost. Take a grassy track south-westwards towards the coast to rejoin the Coast Path at GR 37879310.
Our grateful thanks to Brian Panton of both the Ramblers’ Association (Dorset Area) and the South West Path Association for his assistance.
Likewise, and not too far away, there has been a path collapse just before Seatown. There is however an alternative route that takes you from the cliff top and into Seatown and which is also well waymarked.
The second alert is:
Book I (The Midlands) – Section 1.
Some readers will recall the ‘competition’ held a couple years ago by the Lottery Fund authorities whereby various bodies were invited to bid for project funding of an ‘environmental nature’ and that one of the beneficiaries was the proposal to build a cycle/foot bridge over the River Severn at Worcester. We are now advised that work will commence on the new bridge in September 2009 and that, perhaps inevitably, the works will have an affect on both sides of the river including that part of the Monarch’s Way between the bridge at Powick , alongside the River Teme and then north alongside the River Severn as far as Weir Lane. Whilst the opposite (eastern) bank of the Severn will also be affected this should not affect the Monarch’s Way though the Severn Way will be affected. The suggested alternative route for that part of the Monarch’s Way which will be closed during the currency of the construction is as follows:
For the Monarch's Way, go along the A449, the first section from Powick Bridge being the Malvern Road, which then changes at the roundabout by the Bennett's Farm complex into Bromwich Road (still A449) for about 250 metres, then turn right (east) down Weir Lane and continue east along the footpath to the river where you then turn north to Worcester Bridge and so follow the existing route to the Commandery.
Though it is not anticipated that the Monarch’s Way on the eastern bank of the Severn will be affected there is of course always a possibility. In that event then there are many available alternatives from Worcester Bridge to the Commandery and perhaps a street map of Worcester may be a useful addition to your ‘equipment’.
Our thanks to Richard Jones of Worcestershire County Council for this information.
