Fortuneswell

Skim the surface of the moon-like landscape of the Isle of Portland. Find ruins of Victorian military defences, complete with tunnels which disappear into the darkness, before arriving at the cliff tops providing views for miles along the Jurassic coastline. Discover the towering structure of the Nicodemus Knob and the deep carved bowl of the Portland stadium. Venture into the old quarries, down narrow gullies, between steep channels and through old tramway tunnels. Emerge at the sculpture park of Tout Quarry to join the coastal path and descend the limestone ridge looking over the famous Chesil Beach. Explore the resilient towns of Chiswell and Fortuneswell, having survived the force of the sea many times, to climb up to the great citadel using the old Merchant’s railway, still scarred with the tram’s grooves.

Distance:  4 miles/6.5km  

Duration: 2 hours

Ability: Easy.

Max Height: 450 ft.

Min Height: 0ft.

Total climb: 480ft.

Terrain: Tracks, paths and roads.

Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset

Start Point: New Ground Car Park. (Postcode: DT5 1LQ, Grid Reference: SY691731, What Three Words: hence.squirted.origin).

How to Get There:  From Weymouth, travel south on the A354 and over the ferry bridge onto Portland. Stay on the main road through Fortuneswell to climb up the hill and around a hairpin bend to a roundabout. Take the first exit and pass the hotel to find a number of car parking spaces on the left.

Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.

Refreshments: On route are The Portland Heights Hotel and The Cove House Inn.

Toilets: Public Toilets are available in Yeates Road about 50 metres from the car park

Neighbouring Walks: The Isle of Portland, Langton Herring, Higher Moor Farm, Bincombe and Osmington.