A circular walk centred on Abbotsbury, taking in part of the 'Inland' Coastal path. 9 - 10 miles.

The 'true' coastal path goes through heavily built up areas around Weymouth, so an alternative inland section runs from West Bexington in the west to Osmington Mills, some 4 miles east of Weymouth. Much of this route runs along the Ridgeway, affording fine views both seaward and inland.

If coming from the direction of Portesham (B3157) pass the Swan Inn at the entrance to Abbotsbury, then in 200 yds. turn left into large carpark. Leave by the main entrance, cross the road into Rosemary Lane and then right into Hands Lane. In about 1/4 mile see S.P. on your left for 'White Hill'. You can either a) continue up the road or b) turn left through the gate. Keeping to the road is a bit easier but there is not much in it. If you go this way, continue up the road to the top of the hill. The road then swings to the right, and here you turn left through a gate (S.P. W.Bexington). You are now on the Coastal Path right through to Bexington, and there are frequent waymarks consisting of a black acorn on a yellow background. After going through the gate keep near the fence until you see a three way signpost and here swing right in a generally western direction (S.P.Hill Fort) . If you go for option b) go through the gate and head straight uphill to eventually emerge at the top with a three way signpost away to your right. But here swing to your left to head in a generally westerly direction, joining option a). Make for a steel gate and then through several fields, keeping in a generally western direction, coming on to the top of a ridge (Wears Hill).

Cross a minor road to a small parking area and turn left up a steep gravel path then swing right to make for a trig. point on the skyline. This is the top of Abbotsbury Castle,(G.R. 557865) an Iron Age fort. Continue westward, and as you drop down to a large field, make for the south western corner where there is a stile giving access to a main road. Cross here (S.P. W.Bexington) and over another stile on to National Trust land. Continue west, keeping roughly parallel to the road. After dropping downhill pass between the road and a thick clump of gorse, then swing gradually away from the road. Some way ahead is a circular group of stunted trees in a small dip. Go well to the left here as that patch is always very muddy. Gradually close to the scrub on your left until you see a stout stone wall running north-south. There is a crossing point shortly before the wall reaches the scrub.

Cross the wall, continue west, and when you reach open ground aim for a house in the distance with pale yellow walls. Gradually get closer to the road to cross a stile at the far end of the field (S.P.W.Bexington). Here take a grassy path downhill, which soon swings left and emerges on to a tarred road by the Manor Hotel (good bar meals). Go down the road to reach West Bexington carpark. You are now able to get a panoramic view of Chesil Beach, which runs 17 miles from Portland to West Bay. Also, if visibility is good,see right along to coast into Devon.

Turn left and head east along the track behind the beach. The first few hundred yards are loose shingle but it soon improves. After about 2 miles the road turns inland by the beach carpark. Here go straight ahead between the park and the beach, keeping close to a tall hedge, to join a grassy track which gradually swings round to the north. (MUD : After heavy rain this section can become very muddy and waterlogged). After 200-300 yds turn right over stile (S.P. Coast path/Swannery),go up grassy slope keeping fence and WW2 bunker to your right. Then downhill, through gate in wall (permissive path) and over a stile to come out on to minor road. Go left here (S.P. Tithe Barn) then straight on to emerge on to the main road by the Barn. Follow the road round to the left, then immediately right (S.P. Village Carpark). Opposite pond turn left up steep gravel path. At the top turn right in front of stone house, then left to enter the carpark.

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