Coastal walks & beauty spots
Portland circumnavigation
(4 1/2 hours, 15 km, 435 m climb)
A walk around Portland starting from Castletown takes you on a steep climb towards the highest point of the island. Following the east coast you pass the Verne Fortress and Young Offenders Institute( both prisons) and through a quarried landscape. The views towards Lulworth and Saint Aldhems Head are spectacular on a clear day. The path descends past Rufus Castle and down towards Portland Bill. Depending on the weather and tides the Portland Race may be visible. This is one the roughest and most dangerous stretches of water on the South coast. Once past the light house at Portland Bill the path climbs steadily along the west coast of the island. Eventually the full sweep of Chesil Beach comes into full view before the steep descent back towards Castletown…
Pebble Beach to White Horse Hill and back!
( 12 km, 3 3/4 hours, 345 m climb)
The walk follows the coast away from Weymouth towards Osmington Mills. The path hugs the coastline following the rolling landscape with views towards Portland. Once passed the adventure centre carry on up the path to Osmington . Cross the main road into the village, follow the footpath towards Poxwell . The farm track climbs to Pixon Barn farm. At the farm you turn to the left and make your way on to the ridge which leads you to the top of White Horse Hill. The ridge has extensive views of the Dorset countryside in all directions.A short distance past the trig point on the Bronze Age burial mound the track depends steeply into Sutton Poyntz. The small valley to your right is the source of Weymouths drinking water. Passing the village pond and Springhead pub the walk continues along the road until it meets the main road. Carefully cross the road leaving the Spice Ship pub to your right follow the minor road past the village church. The track then passes through a gate into the caravan site. Once through the site you are back at Bowleaze Cove, Pebble Shore is over the hill to your right.
More walks to feature shortly, if you have a suggested favourite route that you’d like to share please with us please get in touch.