The best walks and hikes around Weymouth And Portland

The splendour of Portland

Some of the best hiking trails in the Weymouth and Portland area are surely those that enjoy views along Chesil Beach’s incredible 18-mile (29 km) length. Stretching from West Bay to Portland, this exquisite barrier beach provides protection for numerous villages and Weymouth. Shingle is tough-going underfoot but you can certainly explore as much of Chesil Beach as you like. 

Portland itself is a small island making perimeter walks possible over a weekend. There are plenty of traffic-free trails and footpaths criss-crossing it, so you can explore for as long as you like. Hikes along Portland’s west side offer sweeping views across Lyme Bay, whilst the east side offers views to the Isle of Purbeck and, in exceptionally clear weather, the Isle of Wight. The lighthouse on Portland Bill is particularly spectacular. 

Exploring the mainland

Walks in Weymouth will fascinate any maritime historian as well as lovers of boats in general. With major breakwaters, Nothe Fort and pretty marinas on the River Wey in the heart of the town, there’s plenty to see on your explorations. Hiking west, seek out the Osmington White Horse, one of southern England’s numerous chalk hill figures; it features King George III astride his horse. 

You can ramble further, adventuring across the downs and reaching Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, both exceptional natural wonders. North of Weymouth, a vast chalk ridge runs east–west and makes for a brilliant place to hike, providing soaring views across the town and over Portland. You can walk to Bincombe Hill, Chalbury hillfort, Friar Waddon Hill amongst others, all with footpaths and viewpoints. To the north west of Weymouth lies the gorgeous village of Abbotsbury, looking like it’s wandered out of a photograph. An Iron Age hillfort, a swannery, two pretty churches and a subtropical garden all call this their home. 

No matter what time of year you explore, there are fantastic hiking routes waiting in the Weymouth and Portland Area. You’ll never be too far from a pub or a cafe and in the summer, you can always cool off with a dip in the sea: it’s almost everywhere you look.