Running the Jurassic Coast

ADVENTURER / SPEAKER / MISCHIEF MAKER

December 2015. Having run the length of Hadrian’s wall dressed as a Roman soldier, it seemed only right that I continue the ‘fancy a run?’ series with a 96 mile jog along the Jurassic coast. And who better to join me for this jaunt through the British countryside than fellow Roman runner Lydia and star of BBC2 SAS Ultimate Hell Week, Danny Boy Bent.

From Poole to Lyme Regis, we ran back through time over the course of 4 days. And in the process learnt many valuable life lessons:

  1. Dinosaur Onsies are equivalent to running in a personal Greenhouse
  2. There is such a thing as ‘Diabetic Jam’ (and it tastes as bad as it sounds)
  3.  The South West Coastal path is mostly comprised of mud. Bonus points are awarded for staying upright
  4. You should probably check that the Lulworth Ranges are open before arriving at them, or prepare for a 20 mile inland detour.
  5. The wind on the South coast of the UK is the windiest wind of all wind there is
  6. A dinosaur tail which has collected 4 days worth of mud is really rather heavy
  7. Britain is BEAUTIFUL.

 

Useful Links:

Not that the above points aren’t incredibly useful, but here’s some more ‘official’ sources of information to help you on your adventurous way:

Jurassic Coast Trust’s shiny new website – great for all things deeply historical about the trail

Visit Dorset: For all things accommodation and planning related

Lulworth Cove Online: For information about the infamous Durdle Door

The Square and Compass: The coolest pub on the trail, with a fossil museum and gigantic pasties

The Smugglers Inn: The second coolest pub on the trail with a selection of fine locally produced ‘Badger Ales’.

And lastly, remember: All ridiculous ideas are good ideas. Get outside. Get running. Get happy.