Around the Island of Portland

Brian and Anne Sandland

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This walk takes you around the island of Portland, starting at its southern tip, Portland Bill and travelling north via Church Ope Cove, then through Fortuneswell to the west coast for the return leg. This is a walk you will never forget!

Along the way you will enjoy astounding views. There are birds in abundance and other wildlife. You pass many historic sites and quarries from which stone has been taken to build some of the world's most beautiful buildings (including for example, St Paul's Cathedral).

England - South West England - Dorset - Coast

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Castle, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Museum, Play Area, Pub, Sea, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife

4/28/2019 - Tony Potts

We did this walk over the unexpectedly hot Easter weekend (20/04/19), the views around the island and coast were stunning in the sun. Starting from a (free) car park slightly north of Waypoint 7 on the map (where the road dog legs) and walked clockwise around the island, which totalled of 9.5 miles accordingly to my Garmin watch. We stopped for ice-cream at the lighthouse, where there is a nice cafe/restaurant which could be a good lunch stop if timed accordingly (we had already packed our lunch though, so cannot comment on the food). Paths are generally well marked, a couple of places where nerves are tested with proximity to the cliff edge but no real danger present. All in all a very enjoyable walk with plenty of views to take in.

11/18/2012 - Patricia Daw

17/10/12 Fabulous walk! We completed this on a lovely still winter's afternoon. We parked at Portland Bill lighthouse as suggested but after having spoken to locals in Weymouth would maybe suggest parking elsewhere and having lunch at the cafe at the lighthouse as a half way round point as it is very good apparently. There was some parking available at the Heights hotel area where the views are tremendous. Take your camera and enjoy! (We followed the directions perfectly and did not need to take any diversions)

4/27/2010 - Judy Brua

Did this walk in April 2010 and it is still very good. At the moment, part of the walk is on a footpath that is marked as closed, although lots of people obviously go through it anyway. If you are concerned, this is at footpath after the road mentioned waymark 4. The alternative would be at the beginning of Waymark 4 to go right (not towards the ruined church), and you will rejoin the route at the signpost 'Chiswell 2.5'

12/27/2007 - Robin Philpott

I did this walk for a second time on 23/12/07. Still fabulous! A difficult one to beat on a sunny day, for its awesome views alone.

7/27/2007 - Lorraine Stevens

We did this walk with 2 dogs on 11/07/2007, absolutely fantastic views. Bit trick near Church Ope Cove but other than that, great!

10/1/2006 - Steve Shanahan

we did this walk on 25/9/06 - in a word superb! Steve & Debbie

12/31/2005 - Robin Philpott

I did this walk on 27 December 2005. A wonderful walk - awesome views, a great feeling of history with the various features and quarries along the route and mostly great conditions under foot. Definitely recommended!