⛵ Hiking the Isle of Portland

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Travel in a small group (max 15 people) by a private minibus and discover the most beautiful trails in Britain!

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help you.

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London Social Hiking is off to discover the Isle of Portland, the southernmost point of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site and the venue for sailing events during the 2012 Olympics!

The Isle of Portland is 6 kilometres long by 3 kilometres wide and is connected to the mainland by the breath-taking sweep of the shingle ridge of Chesil Beach. On this walk, we'll explore dramatic, rugged limestone cliffs and hidden coves, and enjoy stunning coastal views and landscapes shaped by centuries of military activity, farming, fishing and quarrying. Did you know that the world-famous Portland stone has been quarried here since Roman times, and many famous buildings – including St Paul's Cathedral, the British Museum, Tower Bridge and the United Nations headquarters in New York – were built using it?

The hike will finish at the fishing village of Chiswell, where we'll enjoy well-deserved drinks and refreshments next to Chesil Beach – one of the best sunset locations in Dorset! 🌅

HIKE HIGHLIGHTS

• Breath-taking clifftop views along Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon
• Small secluded beach at Church Ope Cove
• Pulpit Rock and Portland Bill Lighthouse
• Dramatic views to the cliffs of Purbeck and Portland Harbour
• The ‘Spirit of Portland’ sculpture which depicts a fisherman and a quarryman to represent the two main industries of the Isle
• Tout Quarry Sculpture Park – a former quarry that is now home to over 60 sculptures, carved from Portland stone
• The Olympic Rings sculpture, created to celebrate the 2012 Olympics, in which Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy hosted the sailing events

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 9 miles (15km).
Ascent: 290m.
Difficulty: Easy.

ITINERARY

07:45 meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station); 08:00 sharp departure; 11:30-16:45 Isle of Portland circuit walk; 16:45-17:15 drinks and refreshments by the sea; 17:15 departure; 20:00 London, Hammersmith.

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

BOOKING

Please RSVP and pay by bank transfer to the account below, leaving your Meetup name and the name of the trip as a reference (e.g. John Portland):

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to ‘Paid’ as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. Please allow up to 24 hours for the payment to arrive.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Packed lunch
• Water (min 1L)
• Walking poles (optional)
• Gaiters (optional)

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REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.