A loop of Portland from Chesil Beach

Isle of Portland 10 miles - 1000ft - 3-4 hours Navigating the 10 mile coastal path loop around the Isle Of Portland requires a good level of fitness. It’s fully way marked and follows the South West Coast Path National Trail. The terrain is arduous and steep but worth the effort as you’ll experience breathtaking cliff tops, secluded coves and unearth local folklore mysteries surrounding the island. I recommend taking water and snacks as the cafe at Portland Bill (roughly halfway) is seasonal and not a guaranteed open. The tour starts and finishes at Portland Castle which is located on the picturesque marina. There’s plenty of parking spaces and a choice of cafes for that all important post hike refreshment! The first climb is the hardest on the tour and sees you ascending an old railway line around and onto the top of the island. Follow the path towards the abandoned prison and soak up the views as they are amongst the best in Dorset. Once on top you’ll follow a quarry path for a mile until you reach the infamous zig zag goat path which is a steep technical downhill section. Be cautious descending. Up next is the first real highlight, the beautifully secluded Church Ope Cove. This section is arduous and tricky to navigate so take extra care to stay on route. You’ll follow more large open quarry paths until you reach Portland Bill lighthouse which marks the halfway point and perfect spot for refreshments. It’s all uphill from here. Portlands West cliff is arguably the best section on the tour and cliff top hiking at its absolute finest. Tread with caution as there’s been a high case of cliff erosion in recent years so please stay on the path and follow the marked diversions at all times! Notice the eerie Sculpture Park you pass through towards the end of the hike before you descend a steep grass hill back down onto the bottom of Portland and onto the start/finish location. For this particular hike I recommend using a quality hiking shoe due to the nature of the terrain. I used the Keen Ridge Flex Waterproof Walking Boots which Keen describe as - Designed with multiple technologies to keep you in complete control - no matter how technical the trail becomes - the versatile Keen Ridge Flex Waterproof Walking Boots will provide outstanding protection from the rough of the trails to the harshness of the elements. I found them very supportive, grippy in the wet conditions and definitely fit for purpose. Link below. https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/kee1021/keen-ridge-flex-waterproof-walking-boots-~-ss21/

Long straight uphill to start. East facing cliffs have some scrambling required.. easy terrain close to the lighthouse. Return along west facing cliffs much higher with portions closed off for safety. Interesting scuplture park with works by famous artists and a final steep decent over roughish terrain to get back to Chesil Beach

Fantastic tour around Portland Isle Great partly challenging paths. A bit of physical condition and, above all, good sturdy shoes are required. Some paths are only 30-40cm wide, steeply descending to the right and left

Even though it was cloudy most of the day, unfortunately preventing me from taking any sunny seaside photos, I can still say that today's hike was the most beautiful coastal hike I've done so far. It never got boring, so I walked the entire section. Since I like the area so much, I'm not moving on until tomorrow.