My ultimate destination is Poole, the end of the 630-mile South West Coast Path. My penultimate destinations vary from night to night; however, as you know, I never aim for a campsite, I always aim for a BnB or a hotel. My night’s lodging is not my only “destination” though. During the day, my penultimate, destinations are benches.

I and everybody else who walks the path loves benches. A rest when tired; a view when unable to take in the surroundings while walking; a gathering place where I can converse with others rather than being lost in my own thoughts; even a place for a snooze.

The benches don’t magically appear. Sometimes the benches have disappeared or have become so dilapidated that they no longer serve their purpose. Sometimes they have been turned over, for what reason??

Sometimes a city or a council provides the bench; sometimes the National Trust places the bench; sometimes a family or friend donates a bench in honor of one that is loved.

As a woman from Switzerland said to me “I’ve never seen so many benches while hiking. The English really love their benches.” Yes, they do! How many benches on this slope provide a view of the Channel?!

Enjoy some of the benches that I have certainly enjoyed.