Weymouth Carnival

Weymouth, Dorset is the place to be on 18th August for the annual Weymouth Carnival festivities. More than 100,000 people visit Weymouth each year during Carnival week where locals and holiday makers are treated to a truly fantastic, colourful and fun filled family day out. This year the Weymouth Carnival is organised by the Rotary Clubs of Weymouth and a dedicated community committee. The Carnival raises much need funds for the local community and worthy causes.

There are plenty of festivities at Weymouth beach to keep you entertained through out the day, and here at The Outdoor Store we have put together a summary of the main events.

Event list

Sand Sculpting Competition 10:30am

Weymouth is famous for its sand, perfect for making sand castles. You can get some tips from local sand sculptor Mark and all you’ll need is your bucket and spade to get creative. Who knows you may win a prize for your creation!

Beach Football 10:30am to 2:30pm - 3:30pm to 5:30pm

The Beach Football event is organised by Tim Davis and his team at WeySports (the Weymouth & Portland Community Sports Development Group) and players from Weymouth Ladies FC. This event is free and suitable for children of all ages and abilities. Kids will receive coaching and can take part in organised beach football matches.

Beach Space Hopper Race 1:30pm

The competitive Beach Space Hopper Race is open to women and children. Just bounce your way along the beach to the finish line or preserve your energy whilst enjoying the fun.

Bleep Test Challenge 3:30pm

This one is for the men and not for the faint hearted. Similar to pre-season football training, levels of football fitness will be tested using a special Bleep Test on the beach.

Waitress Trolley Race – Banus at 5pm

The classic Waitress Trolley Race is making a return to Weymouth Carnival, so come along to Banus and cheer along competitors from your favourite restaurant or bar.

Coach Pull Challenge – Marks & Spencers at 5:30pm

The Coaching Pull Challenge is a new addition to the Weymouth Carnival. Father and son, Chris Reay and CJ from The Channel Guest House, along with Dan Milverton of Future Physiques, will each take it in turn to pull the 12,500kg Bluebird Coaches over 40 meters. This will be followed by pub teams of 6 to see whether they can pull this coach the same distance and record a better time.

Children’s Fun Run – The Kings Status at 5:30pm

Children can take part in the Children’s Fun Run starting at The Kings Statue up to St Johns Church and back again.

The Grande Parade – Weymouth Pavilion at 6.30pm

Not to be missed, this year’s Grande Parade sees the return of the motorised procession after an absence of 2 years, in addition to people dressed in fancy dress, bands, majorettes and Morris dancers. You’ll also get a chance to cheer on the newly crowned Carnival Queen.

The Internationally famous Red Arrows will again be displaying their expertise above the skys of Weymouth (weather permitting) and the Spectacular Firework Display is at 9.30pm.

If you would like to keep up to date with the latest goings on with the Weymouth Carnival plans why not follow the Facebook and Twitter pages.

facebook.com/WeymouthCarnival

twitter.com/Wey_Carnival

Walking in Weymouth, Dorset

Looking out across Chesill Beach in Portland

Did you know walking is good for you? It has good health benefits for all the family, regular walks keep your lungs in shape, provides good muscle tone and builds your stamina without too much effort. It is a fantastic outdoor activity and there is nothing more relaxing than a leisure walk where you can leave the daily stresses of life behind and explore your local countryside.

For those who enjoy walking in Weymouth, Dorset, The Outdoor Store has compiled a selection of the best local routes for you and your family to discover. You can either drive to the starting points, or take a bus from Weymouth.

Weymouth Walks - Short distances up to 2.5 miles

Rodwell Trail

This trail is a level 2.5 miles walk along the coast with wildlife habitat and fantastic views across Portland Harbour. You can start the walk at Ferrybridge a 20 minutes journey by bus from the Kings Status in Weymouth.

As you follow the trail back to Weymouth you can take a short detour to visit Sandsfoot Castle and gardens. As you pass through a wooded cutting you will see the old railway platforms at Rodwell Station and marvel at the engineering of the brick built railway tunnel. From here on there are marvellous views of the Dorset coast.

Download the Rodwell Trail map

The 3 Lighthouses on Portland Bill

The 2 mile circular walk around Portland Bill offers great views of the 3 lighthouses that protect ships around Portland. Portland Bill is a 40 minute journey by bus from the Kings Statue in Weymouth and you will see the first lighthouse ‘Portland Bill Lighthouse’ built around1903 as you alight at the car park.

This lighthouse is painted in bright red and white and is a traditional tourist symbol of Portland. To see the remaining two lighthouses ‘The Old Higher Lighthouse’ and ‘The Old Lower Lighthouse’ you need to head north on the South West Coast Path and follow the relevant footpath signs.

Download the 3 Lighthouses Route Map

Weymouth Walks - Longer distant walks

Railway Walks

Julia Bradbury the Countryfile presenter is well known for her love of walking. Last year she introduced many people to a walk along the disused railways between Weymouth & Portland for the BBC TV series ‘Railway Walks’.

The railway route was built in 1865 to carry passengers and the world famous Portland Stone between Weymouth and Portland, the line was closed in April 1965.

There are three routes for you to explore covering 6 miles namely:

The Rodwell Trail mentioned earlier takes you along Portland Harbour.
The Merchants’ railway from Castletown to Yeastes Incline follows the original horse drawn Merchants railway built in 1826 and used by the quarrymen to transport their wagons of stone.
Follow the disused railway line which ran to Easton. Look out for an old engine shed being restored by Portland Gas Trust and the herd of feral British Primitive goats which have been reintroduced to help control scrub.

Download the Railway Walk Leaflet

The above route details are available to download on www.visitportland.co.uk or call into The Outdoor Store where we stock a variety of maps including the Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL15 that covers the South West Coast Path and Chesil Beach area.

Look foward to seeing you out there Walking in Weymouth .

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Backpack for School

It seems there is a never-ending lines of “STUFF” that kids need to take to school these days - I’m fairly certain that last sentence made me sound like my Dad. Yikes. So, whether it’s PE kit, homework, pencil, pens, Nintendo DS’s and uneaten sandwiches you really need a something that’s durable and good quality, cheap backpack for school such as the Regatta backpack.

The common rucksack once used for climbing a Highland Munro or the South Coast Path has now morphed into a backpack which is far happier on the School run rather than a fell run.

Regatta Backpack

Regatta Backpack for schools come in all shapes and size and it pretty much depends on your requirements. If you are looking to do some serious after school clubs then you need perhaps a large capacity and strong.

Alternatively, if you are looking for your pre-teenager to carry their sandwiches in then a light, small backpack should do just fine.

At the Outdoor store we have a range of backpacks to suit most needs from the school trips to light walking.

Regatta Traveller Backpack - Clay/Grey

Regatta Traveller Backpack

This backpack is more at home on the school run than a fell run. Technical features include;

12L capacity
Hardwearing 600D polyester (Essential for children)
Side pockets with drainage holes
Daisy chain webbing
Reflective highlights
Inner security pocket
Easy grab zip pullers
33H x 24L x 13D cm

The Regatta Traveller backpack costs £9.99 inc VAT

Regatta Cool Dude 15L Backpack - Green Camo

Regatta Cool Dude 15L Backpack

Again, as you may derive from the name the Cool Dude Regatta backpack prefers school life to the great outdoors. At 15L capacity there should be enough room sandwiches and PE kits.

Special features include;

15L capacity (will take an A4 folder, or half a dozen text books)
Hardwearing 600D polyester
Side mesh pockets with adjustable drawcord
Front zip pocket
Compass key fob attachment
Reflective highlights
Inner security pocket
Easy grab zip pullers
33H x 27L x 13D cm

Regatta Cool Dude backpack cost – £6.99 inc VAT

Regatta Varsity 25L Backpack

The Regatta Varsity range is a little less conspicuous and might appeal more to the “what-ever” class of teenager that we all know and love.

At 25L there should be enough room for study texts and a Jumbo sized tub of Clearasil.

Technical features include;

25 litre capacity
Hardwearing 300D polyester
Front bungee storage system for
External side security pocket
Internal organiser pocket with key clip for lunch money (teens don’t always eats mums sarnies).
Easy grab zip pullers
45(H) x 29(L) x 12(D)cm

Regatta Varsity 25L Backpack costs £18.99 in VAT

Now if you have managed to persuade your cherished one that the Duke of Edinbugh award would be a good thing then you should consider a more serious Regatta Rucksack.

Regatta X-ert 25L Backpack

Regatta X ert 25L Backpack

Now are 25L capacity this more of a daysack rather than a weekend trip. So please check with your DoE organiser for suitability.

Special features

25 litre capacity
Hardwearing 600D polyester micro ripstop
Hi-tech airflow venting technology with air mesh hip and backcushioning foextra load carrying comfort
Articulated cushioned shoulder straps for added comfort
Adjustable comfort fit padded air mesh hip belt
Soft stretch mesh side water bottle pockets
Internal hydration storage pocket and drinking tube retainer
Detachable zip-away raincover
Side compression straps
Side security pocket with internal key clip
Adjustable sliding chest harness with built in safety whistle
Walking pole holder
Ice axe loops
Reflective highlights
Easy grab zip pullers
56(H) x 29(L) x 20(D) cm

Regatta X-ert 25L Backpack costs £29.99 (SAVE - £30)

Regatta has an ideal selection of backpack for school , available in a wide range of colour and suitable for most kids taste. Grab a bargain before the start of school term, visit the The Outdoor Store.