Day 51 - Thursday 29 June 2017
The Portland Loop (14.6 miles)
Angie's Birthday - 21 again!!
Drove our own car over to Portland to do a walk the majority of which we had done before. After parking near the Ferrybridge we wandered over the Causeway to reach the island - our weather had not changed much from yesterday but on a positive note the torrential rain was now a mere drizzle.
On a good weather day this is a fantastic walk - it was just a shame we were not seeing Portland at its best today. On the western side of the island above West Weare there were two short diversions in place and we were therefore able to visit the Stone Sculpture Park which we probably would have missed otherwise. The walking was fairly level all day but muddy underfoot in places. At Portland Bill we met Maria, her husband Charlie (who also happened to be the Deputy Lord Mayor) and their grandson. Maria and Dave had joined the Navy at roughly the same time and had not seen each other since 1979. We spent a very pleasant hour and a half in their company at the Lobster Pot Cafe where they very kindly treated us to a Cream Tea.
From Portland Bill the path meandered its way along the eastern side of the island passing the delightful Young Offender's Institution and The Verne Prison before reaching Portland Castle. From the castle we briefly visited a few old haunts before heading back along the causeway to our car at Ferrybridge.
Drove our own car over to Portland to do a walk the majority of which we had done before. After parking near the Ferrybridge we wandered over the Causeway to reach the island - our weather had not changed much from yesterday but on a positive note the torrential rain was now a mere drizzle.
On a good weather day this is a fantastic walk - it was just a shame we were not seeing Portland at its best today. On the western side of the island above West Weare there were two short diversions in place and we were therefore able to visit the Stone Sculpture Park which we probably would have missed otherwise. The walking was fairly level all day but muddy underfoot in places. At Portland Bill we met Maria, her husband Charlie (who also happened to be the Deputy Lord Mayor) and their grandson. Maria and Dave had joined the Navy at roughly the same time and had not seen each other since 1979. We spent a very pleasant hour and a half in their company at the Lobster Pot Cafe where they very kindly treated us to a Cream Tea.
From Portland Bill the path meandered its way along the eastern side of the island passing the delightful Young Offender's Institution and The Verne Prison before reaching Portland Castle. From the castle we briefly visited a few old haunts before heading back along the causeway to our car at Ferrybridge.
I could find very little information on these stone pillars standing at the entrance to Portland. Apparently they were erected for the Millennium and meant to signify the gateway to the island - however they were put in the wrong place.
From the causeway the path heads up a side alley to reach The Cove House Inn on the seafront
Pebble Lane looking to West Cliff
The access from Pebble Lane which would take us steeply to West Cliff
A quick 5 minute rest near The Sculpture Park
Whilst it is difficult to lose your way on Portland there was a lot of way marking in evidence
Looking back to Fortuneswell and The Causeway from West Cliff
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Just two of the many stone carvings at The Sculpture Park
Heading for the stone arch on West Cliff
The Old (Higher) Lighthouse near the Bill of Portland
Lovely engraved Trig Point at Portland Bill
Heading down the slope to Portland Bill
Meeting Maria and her family at Portland Bill
Pulpit Rock near Portland Bill. The rock was designed with religious connections; the large slab leaning against the main stack depicted an open bible leaning on a pulpit - it has since fallen and now lies on the ground next to the rock.
The Trinity House Navigation Marker on Portland Bill
Not far now - this sign put into context how far we had walked to this point
Portland Bill Lighthouse
A Fisherman's Crane on Portland Bill
The remains of Rufus Castle
The southern side entrance to HM Prison The Verne
The former HMS OSPREY main gate entrance - so sad to see it in this state
The Jolly Sailor pub near Portland Dockyard Main Gate - I used to frequent this place now and then - sadly it is no more
Obviously expecting a bit of bother in Portland
Overnight Accommodation
With relatives in Bridport
With relatives in Bridport
Day 51 Data
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Mileage
Cumulative Mileage Time Cumulative Time Total Ascent Cumulative Ascent |
14.6 miles
640.6 miles 6 hrs 10 mins 327 hrs 45 mins 1807 ft 145374 ft |