Isle of Portland Coastal Path Circuit

Walk description:

This is a 9 mile circular walk following the South West Coastal Path around the Isle of Portland, via the famed Portland Bill Light House.

The walk will begin at our meeting point, New Ground car park. Following some brief introductions and safety talks we can begin our walk - there will be plenty of time for everyone to get to know each other as we progress through the day.

The car park is actually on the Coastal Path route, which we will follow east, past Waycroft and Admiraly Quarries. Portland stone has been used extensively for building throughout the British Isles, including for many famous London buildings, such as St Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. The path is easy going and there are plenty of things to look at and discuss as we walk, such as a disused rifle range and the HM Young Offenders Institution.

A mile or so into the walk and we turn away from the built up areas and move on to a more undulating stretch of the walk along the limestone cliffs. We will keep an eye out for sea birds flying high over the sea and pass many more quarries, although these are mostly disused.

A real highlight of the walk is reaching the famed Portland Bill, the southernmost point in Dorset, which is home to the Portland Bill Lighthouse and Pulpit Rock. Expect this area to be alive with people taking pictures and enjoying the scenery. We will use this as a loo-stop and make a decision as a team whether to stop here for lunch or press on a bit further. Our group walks are designed to offer a zero-stress day and have the atmosphere of friends talking a walk together, so please feel able to communicate whenever you want to stop for a drink or snack, although the walk leader will ensure everyone is well looked after!

The walk takes on a wilder feel as we leave the tourists and buzz of activity behind as we move onto the western side of the isle. We will be able to relax into the trail along a few easy miles high up on the cliff, with views stretching out over the sea and Chesil Beach. If the weather is good we can expect to enjoy a gentle sea breeze. The stretch through Bowers Quarries leave us feeling as though we have just landed on the moon, but before long we will catch sight of buildings and cars and work our way back into civilisation to the car park.

Whether you attend alone or with friends/family, you'll soon get to know everyone in the group and enjoy a stress-free day.

Places are always limited on our walks, so do book on as soon as you can!

Want to get more out of the weekend? Why not join us on our Wimblewall Lake Walk on Sunday 10th, too!

Walk length: 

9 miles

Date and time: 

Saturday 9th March 2024. Meet at 9:15am, start walking at 9.30am

Start/finish location: 

New Ground, Portland, DT5 1LQ, UK

Getting to car park: 

Follow the main A354 from Weymouth onto the Isle of Portland, passing the National Sailing Academy on the left. Follow High Street or Castle Road until you join New Road. At the main roundabout follow Yates Road past Memorial Park until you see the small road/track that takes you to New Ground car park. Stop anywhere along this track where there is space. Cars are left at owners own risk.

Toilet stops: 

There are piblic toilets around the side of The Heights hotel. 

Media:

By signing up to a walk with us you are giving us permission to take photos for promotional use across our website and social media pages. If you specifically do not want media taken with you in it, please do feel able to get in touch. We encourage you to take photos during your walk but ask you to be sensitive to other members. Also, we'd love to have a copy of any you are particularly proud of so we share them too!

Accidents and Incidents:

Abbie and our walk leaders are all qualified first aiders and will always carry an appropriate first aid kit. Should you be involved in an accident or become injured during the walk it is important that you notify Abbie or other walk leaders as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let them know. Please use the booking form and the paper disclaimer you will be given on the day as an opportunity to raise anything you feel the walk leader should know about. Abbie is also a qualified and insured Hill and Moorland Leader. 

Due to the nature of walking in an outdoor area there is often a level of risk. You will need to take responsibility for your own actions, health and involvement during the walk and will be expected to exercise judgement based on your fitness levels as to whether you can complete the walk. Any queries please get in touch. You will also be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by us and have a duty to exercise judgement regarding your own personal safety and that of other members of the group. If you choose to ignore safety instructions we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.

Cars are left at the owner's own risk.

Weather:

Our walks are weather dependant. The weather can play a major role in our enjoyment of a day's walking and in some cases can present a real danger. We always review the weather forecast in detail the day before and will send you an email if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! You should come fully kitted out for a full day's hike in the walking area.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this walk except emergency rations. Please ensure you have adequate food and drink for the day. If you have any questions or need any help/advice with what food to bring, please feel able to get in touch.

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD has been set up in order to inspire and motivate followers to head outside for the benefit of mental and physical health. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure space for anyone walking out a journey of freedom from addiction and substance abuse and as such have a strict no drug or alcohol policy on our walks and camping events.

Cancellations:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel an event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund. We may cancel up to 12 hours ahead of an event due to personal injury or safety concerns re the weather and will notify you by email.

By You: We require 30 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 75% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 30 days to 7 days before your scheduled arrival.

- 100% of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 7 days.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via admin@spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk. You will be supplied with a contact number for emergency use on the day of the walk in your booking package.