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Abbotsbury & Portesham Circular

Jurassic Coast Walk

Region - Jurassic Coast

County/Area - Dorset

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.2 miles / 8.5 km    Ascent - 500 feet / 152 metres

Time - 3 hours 10 minutes    Grade - easy

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Ordnance Survey Explorer OL15Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL15Digital Map1:25kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Abbotsbury & Portesham Circular
Click image to see photo description.

Starting from the Dorset village of Portesham this walk takes you to Abbotsbury where there is much of historic interest to explore. The route uses a section of the South West Coast Path national trail although, which in this area does not follow the coast. On street parking is available in Portesham close by the parish church (grid ref. SY602857). Do remember to park with consideration for local residents.

After parking walk south to the B3157 and follow the left hand fork towards Chickerell (Bramdon Lane). After just over 200 metres take the signed footpath on the right (grid ref. SY603855). This path leads down the side of Marsh Farm and takes you to East Elworth (grid ref. SY602846). From here turn left along the driveway to a lane (grid ref. SY599846). Turn right along the lane and follow it round to the left and into the hamlet of West Elworth. Where the lane turns right take the bridleway on the left. This soon turns right and heads west. In less than 200 metres turn left following the track between hedges and climbing slightly onto Merry Hill.

Reaching a junction of paths (grid ref. SY596843), turn right onto the South West Coast Path. This is followed for just over a mile to reach a lane at Horsepool Farm (grid ref. SY579846). Turn right along the lane and then bear left through the parking area and continue onto the southern flank of Chapel Hill. Take the path to the summit of the hill and St Catherine's Chapel. After enjoying the view over Abbotsbury descend to the north-east and continue to the centre of Abbotsbury. Allow some time to explore this beautiful village where there are a number of options for refreshments.

Having explored the village follow the B3157 east (signed Portesham). After approximately 350 metres you reach Glebe Close on your left. Immediately after this bear half left along a tarmac track. This leads to the old railway track bed. Bear right along the route of the old railway and continue for just over a mile to reach the B3157 on the outskirts of Portesham. Turn left along the B3157 and return to your car.

Other walks nearby

Walk 2565 Littlebredy from Abbotsburymoderate8.5 miles
Walk 2827 Rodden & Langton Herring from Abbotsbury easy/mod9.2 miles
Walk 2289 Abbotsbury Castle and Chesil Beacheasy/mod6.0 miles
Walk 2370 The Fleet from Langton Herringeasy/mod7.0 miles
Walk 1597 The White Horse & Sutton Poyntz from Osmingtoneasy/mod4.0 miles
Walk 2440 White Nothe & Moigns Down from Osmingtonmoderate10.5 miles
Walk 3265 Eggardon Hill from Powerstockeasy/mod6.3 miles
Walk 3629 Eggardon Hill from Lodersmoderate8.4 miles
Walk 2391 West Bay & Burton Cliffeasy4.5 miles
Walk 1889 White Nothe from Ringstead Bayeasy/mod5.8 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

Walking the Jurassic Coast

Walking the Jurassic CoastThis guidebook includes 30 walks on the Jurassic Coast of Devon and Dorset. Covering the coast between Exmouth and Bournemouth, these delightful routes range from 3 to 16 miles (5 to 24km), exploring and explaining the spectacular geology of this World Heritage area with clear, easily understood descriptions, cross-sections and timelines.
More information

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - Minehead to St Ives

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - Minehead to St IvesMap of the northern section of the 630 mile (1014km) South West Coast Path National Trail. Covers the trail from Minehead to St Ives along the north Devon and Cornish coastline. This convenient and compact booklet of Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps shows the route, providing all of the mapping you need to walk the trail in either direction.
More information

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