Chesil Beach

Known for Ian McEwan's novel On Chesil Beach, this is a really cool stretch to ride along as you're flanked by the sea on both sides. Bit busy with traffic at certain times (especially Sundays).

Supposedly smugglers could determine where they were landing on the coastline purely by the sounds of the water on the coastline; the pebbles are bigger at one end than the other.

The 2012 Olympic sailing centre is on the Portland end of the peninsula.

Dedicated cycle & pedestrians, seperated from traffic, as you cycle alongside Chesil Beach. There is a parallel path on the other side of the road that is more off road.You have superb views here to reward your climbing if you head up into Portland. Lower down and towards 'land's end' the power of the sea can be see. Before you go up you can have refreshments at Quiddles facebook.com/Quiddlesbeachcafe16
or you could stop there and enjoy the view.
There is also Taste cafe with RSPB centre on the route.