Day 49 Isle of Portland

 I went out like a light last night and slept through to 6:15. I was hoping for a lie in, but my body decided that 6:45 was a good time to get up, regardless of what my mind told it! 

I got up slowly and had a leisurely breakfast, but was still ready to leave at 8:45. I didn’t need to pack everything up, as I’m staying on the same campsite tonight. 

I set off for the loop around Portland. The first part is incredibly dull, because you have to walk along the 1.5 mile long thin strip of land that connects Portland to the mainland. It’s a pavement walk alongside an incredibly busy road, which this morning was choc-a-bloc with slow moving vehicles trying negotiate some temporary traffic lights! 

Eventually I reached Chiswell and had a steep climb up onto  West Weare, where there were fantastic views looking back along Chesil Beach.

 The path then meandered around some old quarry works, where there was the odd bit of stone carving, including the angry dog in his kennel! 

There were also the odd bit of building blocks that you weren’t quite sure of the purpose of, other than to show off the builders skills! 

As you wandered along the path, you got the occasional glimpse of the geology that makes this island so special! 

Soon, the lighthouse at Portland Bill came into view, or did it? 

You see there are three structures in the vicinity that could be described as lighthouses. The first is now a private house. 

The second is the one that everyone recognises next to the cafe, with its distinctive red stripe! 

There is also a third, just around the corner from the second. 

Anyway, I stopped off at the cafe for a coffee and bacon & brie baguette. It was very nice too! 

After that little break, I headed off on the return leg, which took me down the eastern side of the island. There weren’t that many views or interesting things to photo, but once again, I did marvel at the geology! 

The path took me past both prisons. They really don’t want the inmates to escape judging by the size of this moat! 

After passing those staying at Her Majesty’s Pleasure, the path rounded the headland to give me a view over the harbour/sailing academy. 

 I walked down into Fortuneswell, but everything seemed to be shut, including half the roads. Apparently the Queen’s jubilee baton tour was due this afternoon, but they hadn’t arrived by the time I left. I couldn’t be bothered to walk back along the busy beach road, so I caught the bus back to Wyke Regis. 

I got back to camp at 3 pm and immediately stuffed all my stinky clothes in the on-site washing machine! 

I’ve still walked over 13 miles today.