Isle of Portland Coastal Path Circuit

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.

Walk description:

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.

Walk length:

Approx. 4/5hrs for 9 miles

Date and time:

Sunday 21st March 2019 | Start at 10:30am - meet around 10:15am

Start/finish location:

OS Explorer 15 GR 690 731

Getting to New Ground 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.

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 it too!

Accidents and Incidents:

All of our team are qualified first aiders and will 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 our staff as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let a member of staff know.

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 our staff 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 owners own risk.

Weather:

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 do check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! If you need a kit list or gear advice, please get in touch.

Please note that the walks are weather dependant. Should the forecast present any danger, we will endeavour to review our plans and offer alternative routes.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this walk other than a few spare snacks and water if needed in an emergency. Please ensure you have adequate food and drink for the day. You are welcome to buy food and top up on water in the villages we pass through so long as everyone is happy to stop. 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 and Song Thrush Productions have 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 and event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund.

By You: We require 14 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 50% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 14 days to 48 hrs before your scheduled arrival.

-100% of of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 48 hrs.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via the 'contact' page.