Walks
One thing you are guaranteed on your walks around Weymouth & Portland are great views! Whether it's a short stroll to Overcombe, exploring the Portland Quarry trails or joining the South West Coast path, there are plenty of sights that will take your breath away! Here are just a couple to get you started, but for those avid walkers among you visit the Walking In England website for more routes or check out the best 10 hikes in Dorset.
A gentle stroll - Overcombe
Head towards the Pavilion and along the Esplanade. With Georgian architecture on your left you will pass many interesting sights such as the Victorian Bathing Machine, Jubilee Clock and pretty beach huts. At the end of the Esplanade, keep going and you will find yourself by Preston Beach which is a pebbly beach widely used for water sports. The Lodmoor Country Park and RSPB nature reserve is on your left. A café is perfectly located at the end of the walk. Before you head back, if you are feeling fit, take a hike up the steep hill and make towards the grassy area approaching Bowleaze Cove for an unsurpassed view of Weymouth Bay (it’s OK, there is another café at the top of the hill) The walk takes about an hour each way (without adding on the hill) but you can let it take as long as you like by stopping to enjoy some of the lovely cafes on the way or just resting to take in the views. For us, this walk would not be complete with stopping for a Rossi’s home made ice cream!
Something more coastal - Portland Bill Lighthouse
From the Kings Statue catch the 501 service (Summer only) to Portland Bill.
Head for the high ground to the left (with the first lighthouse behind you) and join the South West Coast Path heading north towards the Coastwatch tower. Continue along the west cliff of Portland. You'll reach a junction with a footpath signed off to the right. Take this path around the edge of the field. You can see all 3 lighthouses at this point and remains of a medieval strip field cultivation system 'lawnsheds’. A foot path then leads you back down towards the road. Continue down the footpath towards the sea, past the Lower Lighthouse. The views across the Shambles Bank and the wildlife are fantastic in this area. A stop at the Pulpit Rock is a must. Overlooking the sea is the Lobster Pot café where you'll find a truly delicious cream tea.
This circular route is about 1hr but a walk in either direction along the coast path can easily extend your day.
Dorchester to Weymouth
Why not visit the County town on foot by following this route in reverse, or catch the number 10 from the Kings Statue bus stop to the County Town of Dorchester before following the route back to Weymouth. Download the route here.