Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland
The day starts with stops along Chesil Beach starting with Burton Bradstock and then Abbotsbury, The Fleet and Chiswell. The aim is to study the formation and unique properties of Chesil Beach.
Following a break for lunch on Portland, the walk will start along the west side of the island looking at the geology and the huge impact of quarrying since the Roman period on the Island’s history and land surface. The aim is to walk to Portland Bill and then on to the east side looking at fossils and rocks in the disused quarries and Portland Stone’s unique place in the architecture of England. We will stop at Ope Cove, Rufus Castle and the museum if there is time.
Price: pick up from Taunton £70, pick up from Bridport area £60. Groups £320
Walk Difficulty
Leisurely
Elapsed Time
3 hrs
Distance
6 miles
Additional info
The walk is on the SW Coast path on the Isle of Portland, so is good quality but it does have some steep edges into the sea. Walking shoes are ideal for grip.
West Coast of Isle of Portland
The walk starts, after looking at Chesil Beach, at the top car park on the Isle of Portland and follows the SW coastal path around the west of the Island looking at the rock types and quarries. We will also look at the history of the defence of the Island from the 16th century to WW2 as we walk past gun emplacments and warning stations. Portland Bill lighthouse is one of many showing the importance of the Island and Weymouth Harbour throughout Naval history. The quarrying is more evident on the east side of the Island and the walk includes Ope Cove to look at Rufus Castle and finishing in the Museum if there is time.
