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Weymouth And Portland

Portland

Church Ope Cove – Red Crane, Portland Bill loop from Isle of Portland

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Weymouth And Portland

Portland

Church Ope Cove – Red Crane, Portland Bill loop from Isle of Portland

Moderate

4.8

(117)

640

hikers

Church Ope Cove – Red Crane, Portland Bill loop from Isle of Portland

04:00

14.4km

260m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Jurassic Coast

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

7.04 km

Church Ope Cove

Highlight • Historical Site

Church Ope Cove is a sheltered and secluded spot with soft sand and turquoise waters. One of Portland’s hidden gems, and the only beach on the eastern side of the island, this pretty cove is surprisingly quiet most of the time.

Tip by

7.28 km

Church Ope Cove Beach Huts and Coastal Path

Highlight • Beach

A rewarding hike on a beautiful coast 👍

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.60 km

View of Church Ope Cove

Highlight • Historical Site

To access the beach there are two paths. The main path follows the road past Portland Museum and leads under the arch bridge of Rufus Castle, then down concrete steps to the cove. These were laid out by the local council in 1906, at a time when the beach was becoming increasingly popular as a recreational area. The view point above the steps, looking down on the cove, is part of the coastal path. The other path runs through a small area of woodland around the outside of Pennsylvania Castle, and passes through the ruins of St Andrew's Church (close to John Penn's Bath), before linking up over midway down the concrete steps to the cove.

Tip by

9.52 km

Red Crane, Portland Bill

Highlight • Monument

Great piece of equipment to stumble across. All these remnants from time gone by really add to the character of the area.

Tip by

9.54 km

Historic Loading Crane

Highlight • Monument

The most famous historic loading crane on the Isle of Portland is the Red Crane, located at the southernmost tip of the island near Portland Bill Lighthouse.
This crane is a well-known industrial relic that highlights Portland's long history with its famous Portland Stone.
Original Purpose (Stone Loading): The Red Crane is part of a disused stone-loading quay. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, this area was a working quarry. The original hand-operated wooden crane was used to hoist massive blocks of quarried Portland Stone from the cliff edge down to small sailing vessels waiting below for shipment off the island (often to London for famous buildings like St Paul's Cathedral).
Current Primary Use (Fishing): The original wooden crane was replaced with a more durable steel crane (which is still famously painted red, giving it its name). This modern steel crane remains in use today, not for stone, but to help local fishermen lower and raise their small crab and lobster boats from the water.

Tip by

11.1 km

Portland Bill Lighthouse

Highlight • Monument

Portland Bill Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse at Portland Bill, on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. The lighthouse and its boundary walls are Grade II Listed.
Open daily 10am til 5pm

Tip by

11.6 km

Anvil Point Lighthouse

Highlight • Structure

The Anvil Point Lighthouse in Portland, England, is a fascinating place, captivating both for its historical significance and its stunning location. The lighthouse, which was commissioned in 1881, offers beautiful views of the dramatic coastline and the sea. The surrounding area is tranquil and picturesque, ideal for strolls and photography. Particularly impressive is the combination of the lighthouse's charming old architecture and the wild nature that surrounds it. Visitors can feel the atmosphere of times gone by while enjoying the natural beauty. The Anvil Point Lighthouse is definitely a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in maritime history and stunning coastal landscapes.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

11.6 km

Old Higher Lighthouse

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Higher Lighthouse on the western edge of Portland. It was built in the 18th century and used until 1906. Today there are three holiday cottages on the site using the old lighthouse keepers quarters and the lighthouse itself. The views from the cliffs here are wonderful, looking out along Chesil Beach towards Golden Cap and Lyme Regis.

Tip by

14.4 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

10.7 km

1.53 km

1.42 km

395 m

350 m

Surfaces

9.39 km

2.01 km

1.89 km

879 m

157 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (130 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Tuesday 11 August

24°C

18°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Church Ope Cove – Red Crane, Portland Bill loop from Isle of Portland

Church Ope Cove

Church Ope Cove Beach Huts and Coastal Path

View of Church Ope Cove

Red Crane, Portland Bill

Historic Loading Crane

Portland Bill Lighthouse

Anvil Point Lighthouse

Old Higher Lighthouse

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