Exploring Dorset on Foot
Posted September 20th, 2010 | No Comments
There are many historic and lovely villages all across Dorset, some right on the doorstep of Portland. One little village that is worth a closer look is Osmington, which is found on the A353 just east of Weymouth. If you are feeling adventurous you can drive or take a Coastlink 53X bus to the village, and from there take one of two walks that can show you a good portion of what this sleepy little village has to offer.
The first walk starts out at the Village Hall car park off of Shortlake Lane. From there, simply follow along the main road until it joins the South West Coast Path (inland route). You will pass by Osmington Mills and, with a small detour, a lovely country pub. To return, just follow the South West Coast Path (coastal route) back to Shortlake Lane. It is a moderate walk covering approximately 2.2 miles, which most people of adequate fitness could finish in just over an hour.
For a different experience, start again at the Village Hall car park, but this time follows the South West Coast Path (coastal route) directly to Redcliff Point. From here you will view gorgeous seaviews! If you are hardy, you could just continue along the coastal path for another 2.5 miles to reach Weymouth, or instead head inland along the footpaths at Redcliff point to return to Osmington. This loop of the village is 2.4 miles in length and can again be completed in just over an hour.
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park
Posted June 15th, 2010 | No Comments
For a new spin on a walk whilst in Portland, why not visit the Tout Quarry Sculpture Park. The abandoned quarry is situated between the cliff’s edge and the road to Portland Bill on the northwest corner of Top hill. You can access this quarry by walking along the road to Fortuneswell, turning right onto Wide street, then right again at the Tradecroft Estate. It is at the bottom of the hill.
In 1983, the Tout Quarry Sculpture project began to make something beautiful out of a deserted old spot that had lost its usefulness. Now, visitors are able to walk through the quarry exploring the wide variety of different works of sculpted art. And, with so much displayed, you could visit every year and still see something new each time.
New to the park is the stone lithophone, an instrument made entirely of stone. Dame Evelyn Glennie, percussionist, is set to play this remarkable instrument, for the opening ceremony of the sailing event for the 2012 Olympics. To make this, each stone had to be painstakingly sculpted and tested to produce a specific tone.
For those that are keen to take this experience into a more active role, it is possible to take courses in stone sculpture via the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust. They offer weekend, 1 week, 2 week, and 4 week courses on selected dates throughout the year.
Portland Bill 3 Lighthouses Walk
Posted January 15th, 2010 | No Comments
Portland is an excellent place to visit if you enjoy walking. This post features the 3 Lighthouses Walk. This walk is recommended by the fantastic website ‘walks for softies’.
It’s a 3.5 mile moderate rated walk.
Any visitor to Portland is likely to want to visit the lightouse at Portland Bill, and this walk is an excellent way to take in the lighthouses, and the southern coast of Portland.
The website has a printable photo guide to ensure you can easily find your way, as well as informatoin about ameities, and some good photos of what you have in store.
There are also many other excellent walks listed local to Portland - all along the Jurassic Coast and within the Dorset region. You can view local walks offered by site by clicking here.
To view the 3 Lighthouses Walk - click here.