Walking around Portland - click to maximise

Although the Autumn feels like it is well and truly upon us, this time of year can be perfect for walking in Dorset - particularly if you know there is a warm pub and a drink waiting for you at the other end.

Dorset is just bursting with fabulous places to walk - whether you want the exhiliration of hiking along the Coastal Path or spending a few hours in the beautiful countryside just a few miles inland.

Having a shop in Weymouth and living nearby we are spoilt for choice, but one of our favourite Weymouth Walks has the best of both worlds. Starting off from The Outdoor Store this walk takes in Weymouth Harbour and then follows the South West Coastal Path across to Portland.

• Start from The Outdoor Store and wander through the town and across the bridge towards Brewers Quay.
• Pick up the South West Coastal Path and head south around the Nothe Fort
• Cross the Causeway between Weymouth and Portland, a great stretch of land to watch the windsurfers and kitesurfers. You may want to stop and see the sailing facilities for the 2012 Games.
• Leave the Coastal Path at the foot of the hill and head east, steeply up the hill to the prison entrance (which is on the north side of the Verne Prison).
• Head for Portland Castle then climb the disused tramway. Once at the top head towards the north west corner of the castle.
• From here you can walk around the fort on its moat - look out for the remains of the gun emplacements on the hill top.
• It is back on to the South West Coastal Path past the remains of the quary to Church Ope Cove. It is quite a way down to the beach but if you can manage it, it is well worth the walk.
• We tend to retrace our steps at this point and pick up the old Easton and Church Hope Railway line back up towards Fortuneswell.
• It is here that we normally stop for a coffee or a pint at the Portland Heights Hotel. There are fantastic views across Portland Bay and beyond.
• If you are not feeling too energetic after your break you can always hop on a bus at this point and take the easy way down back in to Weymouth. The buses run every 10-15 minutes and take about 20 minutes to get back into Weymouth.

This is a fantastic walk that takes a good part of the day to complete. However, there are plenty of opportunities to break off and explore other parts of Portland island.

Don’t forget, we sell lots of walking equipment, boots and maps at The Outdoor Store. Wrap up warm and enjoy the Autumn walking in Weymouth.

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