Author Archives: Wingclipped

The Coastal Path in Scotland – The Sutherland Monument

About 35 miles north of Inverness the Sutherland Monument stands on the summit of Beinn a’ Bhragaidh, a small hill of 1,302 feet overlooking the village of Golspie.  It sticks out of the hill like a needle and can be … Continue reading

Posted in Scotland | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Coastal Path in Scotland – Cromarty Firth

As Coastal Walkers, we wanted our July 2015 trip to Scotland to take in some of the country’s amazing coastline.  Our first stop was at the Cromarty Firth, about 15 miles to the north of Inverness.  Not only could we … Continue reading

Posted in Scotland | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

82f – Portland Bill Part I

As we made our final approach to Portland Bill we left the rugged, almost Mediterranean, landscape behind and entered quarry territory.  Massive piles of rocks lay heaped on the ground, as if giants had passed this way and made cairns … Continue reading

Posted in Dorset | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

82e – Church Ope Cove to Portland Bill

As we walked south from Church Ope Cove I felt that the landscape was almost Mediterranean.  We were completely alone.  The sky was a blistering blue and glared off the limestone cliffs.  The sea rippled in an inviting turquoise colour … Continue reading

Posted in Dorset | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

82d – Portland Part V – Chruch Ope Cove

About half way down the east cost of Portland is Church Ope Cove.  It offers a secluded beach which, it is said, was once sandy but is now pebbly.  Apparently the extensive quarrying on Portland covered the sand with rock … Continue reading

Posted in Dorset | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

82c – Portland Part IV

Shortly after passing the walls of Portland Prison, the Coastal Path veers eastwards, leading down a steep slope back towards the sea.  After prisons and immigration centres I was rather looking forward to more proper coastline. From our vantage point … Continue reading

Posted in Dorset | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

82b – Portland Part III

Portland Stone is probably one of the best known building materials in the world.  It is used extensively in London and the United Kingdom and has been exported to all over the world.  It has been used in many famous … Continue reading

Posted in Dorset | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

82a – Portland Part II

New Ground is a road that runs along the high ground of Portland.  For coastal walkers there are convenient (and free) places to park along its length.  To the north are expansive views over Chesil Beach. Chesil Beach is a … Continue reading

Posted in Dorset | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

81g – Portland Part I

For me, Portland started off as a little uninspiring. At the entrance to Portland is the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.  Completed in 2008, the academy buildings hosted the sailing events of the 2012 Olympic Games.  Was their legacy … Continue reading

Posted in Dorset | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

81f – Weymouth to Portland

Portland.  There it was, a short walk away across the isthmus behind Chesil Beach and in front of its harbour defences which stretched across the water. The walk across to Portland from Weymouth is not the most interesting one we … Continue reading

Posted in Dorset | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments