We wake to a beautiful blue sky with the sun beating down on the shimmering water of the old mill pond. Ducks amble around warming their backs under the first of the day’s rays, there’s a quiet hustle of walkers and runners heading out into the headland of the glorious Dorset Coast beneath our window, maybe locals we think, trying to beat the crowds.
We had arrived the night before under the veil of darkness to be greeted by a roaring log fire in the cosy communal lounge. Everyone was gathered here to experience the lodge and everything it has to offer to a walker looking to sample the local landscapes.
Once the rabble had arrived we were whisked out onto the terrace overlooking the cove - eminently recognisable even under the faint light of the night sky. We were consumed by the sweet smell of local seafood being prepared on the barbeque housed in an old rowing boat, no doubt an old-timer of the cove judging by its battered and weathered hull.
As we sipped at our drinks and looked up at the stars we couldn’t help but think that this was a great concept and we hadn’t even set foot on the hallowed walking grounds of the Jurassic Coast!
Lulworth Lodge is a departure from HF Holidays’ traditional offering. Instead of having to book a lengthy minimum stay and succumbing to structured guided walks throughout, you can book in for as little as two nights and choose to go it alone with one of the Lodge’s cycle or walking route maps in hand. Alternatively, you can let someone else do all the organising and book into the lodge on a guided holiday, these range from 3-7 days in length and start at £249.
If you choose to go it alone the guides will be able to advise you on the most suitable walk for you and your party based on conditions and ability, and will freely offer tips on what to look out for on the way.
After packing a very impressive picnic lunch (included in the price of the stay) into our daypacks we headed out onto the shorter of the two guided walks on offer under the haze of brilliant sunshine.
Our guide immersed us in the landscape with tales of historical happenings, geological amazements and the comings and goings of the indigenous and migratory flora and fauna.
When we returned at the end of the day, we hung our boots up in the drying room and retired to the hearth to relax and enjoy the complimentary tea and cakes.
Later that evening we shared our day’s exploits with the other guests around the communal dining table over an excellent and hearty three-course dinner. Having a shared love of walking helped the conversation flow easily and the room was soon buzzing with the tone of happy and contented walkers.
The lodge has 12 rooms, ours was comfortable, homely and clean with a decent sized bath in the en-suite. We had tea and coffee-making facilities, a small writing desk, a comfortable chair to sit in and somewhere to store our clothes – indeed, everything you might need for a comfortable stay.
If you’re looking for a touch of luxury you can upgrade to one of the two ‘premium’ rooms which have their own sun-terraces. There are also two dog-friendly rooms at the lodge should your furry friend be joining you on your trip.
The ethos of the lodge is to provide a communal, sociable and convivial atmosphere akin to a ski chalet. And it works. Add to that fantastic scenery, amazing walking terrain, great guides and a range of walks, and we can strongly recommend the lodge and the area to walkers of all ages and abilities.
For more information or to book see hfholidays.co.uk (self-guided) or hfholidays.co.uk (guided).
