Name: ⛵ Hiking the Isle of Portland
Start: 2024-05-11T06:45:00.000Z
End: 2024-05-11T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Novotel London West

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**We’ve created a list of [FAQs](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pBSaPBjT_jSrnQzSmjq-pOWpTm5pUVih/view?usp=sharing) to help you.**
The **self-driving option** is available for this trip (see below).

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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: 11 miles (18km).
Ascent: 410m.
Difficulty: [Moderate](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view).

**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.

**SELF-DRIVING OPTION**

If you don't need transport, we're happy to offer a 50% discount. Simply change to the correct amount when paying, and PM our admin (one of the hosts of the event) your phone number. We'll meet you at 11:15 AM at New Ground Car Park, New Ground, Portland, DT5 1LQ ([Google Maps link](https://goo.gl/maps/z1HngeNUsCefv2Kg9)). Look for a silver, 16-seater minibus (see the [picture](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/9/b/highres_503520923.jpeg)).

**SAFETY**

This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified Mountain Leader.

**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
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](https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/300454284/attendees) of the event. Please allow up to 48 hours for the payment to arrive.

**THE PRICE OF £68 INCLUDES**

* Transport throughout the trip
* Experienced, professional CPC/PSV minibus driver
* Professional event organisation
* Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced Mountain Leader
* 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)
* Food

**HOW TO CONTACT US**

For all enquiries, please PM our admin (one of the hosts of the event) via Meetup, or leave a comment on the event page or the event chat. If you have any difficulties locating the starting point, please call Anna on 07596844467. Please DO NOT contact our hike leaders during the week on the phone numbers provided.

**WHAT TO BRING**

* Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
* Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
* Gloves/hat/cap
* Packed lunch
* Water (min 1L)
* Walking poles (optional)
* Gaiters (optional)

**REVIEWS ⭐**

We have hosted over 400 events on Meetup, you have left us a huge number of positive reviews! We’re very proud to have achieved **4.8 out of 5** average event rating ([screenshot with review summary](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WOqlcLun6Za-UCsRdq4yUxDhHAZJJszH/view?usp=sharing)). At the moment, reviews on Meetup are only visible to organisers. Please keep sharing your feedback to help us make trips even better!

**JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA**

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

[Facebook group link](https://www.facebook.com/groups/220802492121957) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/london_social_hiking/)

**REFUND POLICY**

You can check our refund policy [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LBGHEVVzd0KgsCBQ4icroIRhfwzQVtXz/view?usp=sharing).

London Social Hiking

Anna

LSH Admin

⛵ Hiking the Isle of Portland

Novotel London West

London Social Hiking Trips

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This is a group for anyone interested in meeting like-minded people and socialising by participating in hiking adventures. All skill levels are welcome. We started this group to help people get connected, travel together and explore amazing natural wonders. We look forward to showing you best Britain's hidden gems!

All trips are led by qualified and knowledgeable Lowland and Mountain Leaders. Transport and accommodation (on trips with an overnight stay) are provided, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy!

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