Isle of Portland day hike

Walk - Isle of Portland Circuit

13.0 miles (20.9 km)

Isle of Portland Moderate - Moderate

This is a walk of dramatic, rugged cliffs, nationally rare plants, hidden coves and stunning views. The Isle of Portland is a large mass of limestone which is linked to the mainland by the shingle ridge of Chesil Beach. Centuries of quarrying and military presence have altered the natural landscape, leaving visible records of the history of this important part of Dorset. The Isle’s white limestone has been used for construction since Roman times. Nature has reclaimed some of the disused quarries, which become a stunning mass of grasses and wildflowers in the spring and summer months.

The hike offers fairly easy walking around the Isle along old quarry tracks, with some short, steep ascents and descents in places.

Highlights

• The breathtaking views from the top of West Cliff back along Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon, which is the largest tidal lagoon in Britain and a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the extraordinarily rich variety of wildlife found here.
• The ‘Spirit of Portland’ sculpture which depicts a fisherman and quarryman to represent the two main industries of the Isle.
• Pulpit Rock and Portland Bill: especially dramatic on a rough day, the southernmost tip of the island fills you with an exhilarating feeling of space as you take in the spectacular views which extend to Start Point in Devon and ahead to Durlston Head in the east. On a clear day, you can actually see more of the coast from here than from any other part of the entire South West Coast Path.
• The distinctive red and white striped Portland Bill Lighthouse.
• The flowers and butterflies fill the old quarries in the spring and summer months.
• Church Ope Cove: this is the only beach on the eastern side of the island and is a peaceful, sheltered spot with soft sands, making it a good place for a picnic.
• The remains of the striking Rufus Castle, which is thought to have been built originally for the red-headed William II, who was nicknamed Rufus. Much of what remains dates from the 15th century.
• Keeping a lookout for the island’s many nesting seabirds, including peregrines, guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes.
• The extraordinary pirate graveyard at the old church of St Andrews.
• The views to Portland Harbour and the cliffs of Purbeck: the harbour is very sheltered and therefore an ideal home for the National Sailing Centre and was a natural choice for the venue for the sailing in the Olympics of 2012.

GUIDE’S FEE 

£20

TRAVEL 

By train if fewer than 10 people sign up by Friday night. Train tickets plus a short bus ride cost around £60 with group discount.

If we get 10 people or more we will use a minibus costing you £50.

We will confirm by Friday night which mode of transportation we will use.

Please join this WhatsApp group for updates:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/IYOHr3RZZCC1dhBhjNfeM2

MEETING POINT In or near Waterloo Station. This will be confirmed on Friday night. We aim to leave by 9:30 am.