The Portland Railway Walk
A moderate walk (coast) starting and finishing in Dorset, England, about 10.50km (6.52 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 3:15h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
141m (462ft)
Descent
133m (436ft)
Max. Elevation
130m (426ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
274m (898ft)
Start
Weymouth
End
Portland
Distance
10.50km
(6.52mi)
(6.52mi)
Duration
~3:15h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
Follow the route of a disused railway for an enjoyable walk from Weymouth to Portland. The railway, built to carry Portland stone out of the quarries, is now a wildlife corridor and perfect for a peaceful walk. You can download a detailed route guide from:
www.visitweymouth.co.uk/downloadForms/
RailwayWalkleaflet.pdf
Walk kindly sponsored by
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Waypoints
OS Grid SY674792
Start at Abbotsbury Road in Weymouth, which is a short hop across the River Wey from the railway station.
OS Grid SY675780
The Rodwell Trail starts at the eastern end of Abbotsbury Road, and follows the route of the old railway.
About 1.20 km (~0.75 miles) from 
OS Grid SY667760
At Ferrybridge, leave the trail and cross the water. The trail restarts on the other side.
About 2.12 km (~1.32 miles) from 
OS Grid SY678745
Follow through Osprey Quay, which is a haven for coastal flowers. In April, the thrift creates a beautiful pink landscape.
About 1.84 km (~1.14 miles) from 
OS Grid SY685739
The next section follows an old track along which wagons and horses brought stone from the quarries. Look for the footpath opposite the roundabout, just off Castletown Road.
About 0.91 km (~0.57 miles) from 
OS Grid SY695729
The footpath climbs up into Verne Local Nature Reserve, which overlooks a prison!
About 1.37 km (~0.85 miles) from 
OS Grid SY700725
The path heads to the bottom of Yeates Incline past Nicodemus Knob, a stub of unquarried rock.
About 0.72 km (~0.45 miles) from 
OS Grid SY702717
The footpath heads towards the coast and heads south past Durdle Pier. Take the steep steps down to rejoin the disused railway line. And look out for the feral goats which live around here.
About 0.82 km (~0.51 miles) from 
Church Ope CaveOS Grid SY697709
Follow the coastal path to Church Ope Cave on the coast. From here, take the path into Easton for the bus back to Weymouth.
About 1.04 km (~0.65 miles) from 
1 comment... join the discussion!
Paul T
Point 9 is Church Ope Cove, not cave!