I have just returned from a lovely weekend in Lyme Regis, where I caught up with some of my lovely family and had lots of lovely time with my lovely girlfriends.  Much loveliness in lovely Lyme.

I drove down on Thursday evening, had an early night and consequently was awake early. I didn’t want to miss a second of the day so I went straight down to the Cobb to catch sunrise.   I was there just before 7am and all was peaceful and quiet. It’s a little tradition of mine that every time I go to Lyme I walk around the harbour and to the end of the Cobb. This is such a beautiful place and I like it best this early when there are no other people around.  It was high tide and the sea was very lively which makes this beautiful place quite dramatic. After pottering about, this way and that, I returned to the promenade. I then headed East to see how far I could walk. Amazing to think little old me was standing there in a world heritage site. This walkway opened last year and this was my first trip along it. I am very impressed by it and it was a lovely walk. The sun broke through a little gap in the clouds and looked quite biblical as the rays poured down and the light shone across the sea towards me. I really like the new walkway and particularly like the simplicity of this wooden and concrete bench.  Perfect to sit on and relax although I kept walking as it was a bit chilly in that bracing sea air.. This part of the coastline is very active and prone to landslides. This picture shows the walk we did the following day, along the cliff tops from Stonebarrow to Golden Cap. This is one of the most landslide prone areas in Europe, so listen up people – DO NOT STAND NEAR THE CLIFF EDGE and do NOT walk under the cliffs either.  That cliff edge selfie is just not worth the risk. It was high tide so this was as far as I could walk.There had been a good clean up but there was still evidence of the recent landslide.
Time for a coffee but I was a little early so I waited. The Bakery is worth waiting for. I was rather peckish so I opted for the toast which you cut and cook yourself from one of their freshly made loaves.No plates, just boards and you help yourself to cutlery too.  It is all very simple with the focus being on the food which is top quality.
Their sourdough bread is absolutely delicious, eaten with peanut butter and raspberry jam.  I had a soya milk latte and was then joined by my cousin Miranda who lives nearby and I had another latte with her. By the time Miranda and I had finished chatting, the sun was out and it was a glorious day.   Lyme Regis has such a pretty seafront. I went to visit my Step-Father Ian and Helen for lunch.  They very kindly made me a plant based lunch.  We had salad and a homemade vegetable soup. Followed by a fruit salad.  It was all very tasty, ultra healthy and great to see them both too.  I spent the afternoon with my Uncle and Aunty in Axminster and then back to Lyme Regis, where my wonderful friends had arrived and cooked a dinner which starred a very good vegetable chilli. Your very best friends ………..

……… are those who support you in your food choices and then get up very early to join you on a walk down to the Cobb again.  A brisk walk and the fresh sea air worked wonders on the hangovers! This is becoming a bit of a habit – first through the door of the Bakery again. I had a bowl of their muesli which was excellent. After breakfast we set off for Stonebarrow, next to Charmouth and walked along the cliff tops to Golden Cap and then looped back along a ridge.  It was a long and hilly walk with stunning views, which my camera does not do justice to, and of course, lovely company. We weren’t sure how to make the walk a loop, to avoid doubling back on ourselves, but luckily other friendly walkers had maps and/or local knowledge so helped us out.  It was a long and lovely walk. I walked over 24,000 steps this day and climbed 109 flights of steps (equivalent) so a very good amount of exercise indeed.  Lunch was definitely next on the agenda and we went to Sladers Yard at West Bay. A charming rustic interior, comfy seats and a very generous sized lunch, which I enjoyed after a latte and a bag of crisps. They were very accommodating and let me replace the halloumi cheese on the mezze menu with extra falafels.  The falafels were good and were served with humous, pitta bread, olives and celery, carrot and cucumber sticks,  most of which was inhaled as I was so hungry.  The advantage of being up so early is that you have a very long day.  After lunch we wandered around Lyme Regis, I had a nap while the others watched a film and we then had the evening together too. We spent the evening in my sister Lucy’s beautiful home in Lyme (where we were all staying) where Michelle made roasted veg, a huge salad and chicken for the flesh eaters and I made the lentil and cauliflower dish I blogged about in my previous post.  I do love being with these very dear and special friends.  Note to self – wear glasses when taking photos so you can check what you are taking the picture of and ensure all subjects are looking at you and are in focus!  Especially after a very large and amazing Burnt Orange gin, which i bought in Ammonite in Lyme Regis. This morning we were up and out early again which is a result to all be up and out so early.  What an amazing day – so sunny and so good to be up early before the hordes descend. This really is becoming a habit!  Latte and toast for me today.

I have had a wonderful 3 days in Lyme Regis and feel so happy to have spent my weekend with family and friends.  I did drink wine, champagne and gin and eat crisps with humous but nothing to excess and I did do a lot of walking.  So not a weight loss weekend but hopefully not a gain either.  It was excellent and I wish I could do it again next weekend.  Thank you girls for being such lovely company in Lyme.