Dorset Walks

General information about walks on Portland

• Walks start at 10.00 am on almost every Friday morning throughout the year. See the walks list for dates.
• There is a charge of £5.00 per walk
• No need to book - just turn up
• Meet outside the main entrance of the hotel
• Walks last approx 90 minutes, returning to the hotel at about 11.30 am
• Footwear: walking boots are ideal, or wellingtons in really bad weather
• Clothing: as appropriate to the weather, with high-factor sun block and a sun hat essential in the warmest months
• All walkers receive a discount of 50% on tea and coffee in the Heights Bistro afterwards

Geology, History & Wildlife On these walks we'll explore a variety of footpaths on the island throughout the year.
Starting each week at the Heights Hotel we are well placed to reach the most interesting and unspoilt areas of Portland. The coastal path on the Westcliffs opposite the hotel takes in some particularly scenic views.	© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio Blacknor Fort in fog

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio Wheatear

These cliffs are an excellent place to observe bird migration, with flocks of swallows, pipits and other birds following the cliffs south in Autumn and north in Spring. Wheatears can often be seen feeding on the path itself.

In the summer months butterflies swarm over these clifftops, with the various species of blues most obvious as they fly over the grassy banks.

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio Chalkhill Blue

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio Maidenhair Fern

The limestone soil favours many species of wild flowers, with some rare ferns growing in the rock itself. Flowers such as Bee Orchids are best seen in June/July but the ferns are visible throughout the year.

The Portland limestone was laid down as mud at the bottom of an ancient sea - some of the rocks still show ripple marks and many are full of marine fossils.

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio Ripple Stone

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio Lano's Arch

Away from the cliffs the old quarries still contain many relics from the Victorian heyday of quarrying, such as Lano's Arch in Tout Quarry not far from the hotel. Tout is also home to a large number of modern sculptures, placed under the direction of Portland Sculpture & Quarry Trust.

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