Ok, you may have spotted we have not started at the beginning. We began with Portland because we were there at the time.
This was a great start to our project as it has many interesting and varied aspects. as well as the infamous and unique atmosphere that only Portland can provide, if a little rocky underfoot at times.
We set off on a grey saturday morning beginning at the Weymouth and Portland sailing academy, site for the 2012 Olympics. We opted to walk anti-clockwise route which would allow us to end at the Cove Inn.
The intial ascent starts at Portland casle with a steep climb through the housing estate. We immediately had great views of the harbour, Chesil beach ,Weymouth Bay and Underhill. The Verne prison remains mostly out of sight on it's cliff top.
We come across local youths in one of the old quarry sites entertaining themselves by setting alight a wheely bin to keep warm. It feels very much as though we have entered a scene from a Ken Loach docu-drama.
After taking in the high fence of the young offenders institution one of the best wild sections begins at Church Ope cove. This is an attractive spot and J recommends it as a reasonable snorkling spot in warmer weather. For now though we take in the ruins of the ancient church and watch a man with this sketch pad.
The next stretch is a rocky and beautiful route southwards taking in the views of the lighthouse. we passed the first of several cranes once used to load the stone onto boats
At this point lunchtime was approaching and we placed bets on whether the cafe at the Bill would be open. A lost the bet and paid too much for the rather ordinary leek and potato soup. It was a fine location, however.
A quick detour on the limestone pavement to view Pulpit Rock at close quaters. Nobody 'tombstoning' today. The walk resumes past some 'ministry of attack' property and along the increasingly high cliffs of the West Wears. Scenery gets better as we approach the scupture park, and divert to take in the rather good 'spirit of Portland' sculpture. Then its down the hill, looking at the land sculpure showing the different grades of Portland Stone, past the closed but interesting looking Quiddles Cafe and into the Cove for a well earned pint.(or in A's case, tia maria and coffee). We like this pub, nice location, nice pictures of shipwrecks, seems busy at all times these days.
Its cold as we return to the car at the sailing academy, was it at this point we hit on the momumental decision to do the whole darn Jurassic Path? (No.... A)
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