The beach has a noticeable hill to climb before you can see the ocean. The walk up the hill is loud because the pebbles make so much noise when you walk on them. Reaching the top of the hill, you can then see the length of the beautfu beach - very simple and relaxing!
A colleague recommended Abbotsbury Swannery, which is about a 20 minute drive from the beach. I'm pretty sure I had never heard of a swannery, let alone been to one, so I was on my way! He briefly explained that monks used to take care of swans there, but it's more of a public place now. Intriguing.
It's a relatively long twisty road to get there. The views reminded me of car commercials - expansive green fields spotted with goats, sheep and cows. I pulled up to the swannery and its ancient wooden gate, ready to see what's inside. There was a small cabin with lots of swan related gifts inside. It cost about £10 or £11 to walk through the swannery, which you pay there.
I paid and walked through to find a nice scenic path lined by a small stream on the right. I followed the sound of rushing water to find another wooden gate just past a hedge maze and non-motorized go karts.
There were 3 or 4 cute white huts with curved thatched brown roofs. One hit had a hand made bomb that had been dug up on site - complete with war damage to it! It looked like a huge black golf ball, even with purposeful semi sphere grooves in it.
The stream was about 2-3 feet across and then emptied into the ocean. There were over 600 white swans there! They have 3 or 4 walkable paths, that go around swan nests and sets of trees and brush. I took lots of photos, read some signs, but mostly took in the peaceful yet overwhelming feeling of hundreds of beautiful creatures wandering around me.
I think I'd like to head back to Chesil Beach and the swannery with my family - nice spot!
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