Reportedly,6 did this walk in sets of two with each doing different versions. My set had a late start due to decamping duties. We started the walk from where the bus dropped us in Southwell, joining the coastal path thereafter. We then headed to Portland Bill for a lunch stop before winding our way along the west side of the island past various eerie naval establishments. Due to a path diversion, we ended up exploring the sculpture park a little way inland. Cue an intriguing hour or so discovering unusual sculptures scattered in situ around Tout quarry, including one by Gormley (! as stated on the fading notice board). After returning to the coastal path for more spectacular views, we finished the walk at a cafe back down on Portland beach before catching an open top bus nearby after 16.30. There on the top deck getting max fresh air, we met two other swc walkers. Three then returned to their respective residences, while one went to Weymouth beach cafe before catching the 18.48 back to London. An enjoyable exploratory day, with dramatic views in ideal weather (#sunny-with-cooling-sea-winds altho bit gusty). Plus loads of butterflies!

Good to hear about your walk E. At the bus stop at 0940 we were told that only half the buses were running, so the two of us who were aiming for a specific train worked out that we had to head back well before 3. Before that . . . the four on the 0940 got off the bus at the Heights and, unsure about the signposted footpath diversion, followed a sign to the King Barrow Quarry nature reserve and on to the eastern coast path. The path through the quarries was really stunning, full of interest with thousands of pyramidal orchids and also quite a lot of unusual ivy broomrape to provide botanical interest. The coast path beyond was also very beautiful, especially around the picturesque but blowy Church Ope cove. The two heading for the train then caught a bus from Southwell so between us we managed a circuit of the island! We had time for coffee, ice cream and a somewhat chilly swim at Weymouth before fish and chips and the train - on which we met one of the Lulworth walkers.

sunny with cooling sea winds

Four of us did half of this walk on the Monday. Having been exiled from our lovely little house on the seafront (after one final 7am swim), we got the 9.40 open top bus to Portland Bill and walked back up the west coast in sunny and windy weather, with dark clouds to the north over the mainland. We enjoyed the sculpture park at the top of the island - what a good way to use an old quarry! - and then descended a steep path to the Chiswell seafront, where we ate at the cafe (at an outside table, wrapped in blankets) while the sea raged and little patches of sun lightened the brooding immensity of Chesil Beach. One of us was staying extra nights in Weymouth, but the remaining three got the 15.55 train back to London.

After a delightful flower spotting tour of the quarries and lunch at Church Opie as described elsewhere, two of us continued on from Southwell to Portland Bill, where we indulged in icecreams and tea, and one of us taunted the seagulls with a delicious scone. We then caught the final bus back, and were later joined by another two.