Abbotsbury and Chesil Beach
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Join us for a circular walk along part of Chesil Beach, returning along part of the South Dorset Ridgeway! The route is 9 miles / 15 kilometres, with 300 metres of ascent. This walk is associated with an ODL hostel event on the Isle of Portland, but local ODL members who are not on the hostel event are welcome to join this walk.
One of the most significant features along Dorset’s 95-mile Jurassic Coast is Chesil Beach. The name Chesil is derived from the Old English ceosel or cisel, meaning gravel or shingle. Over 18 miles / 29 kilometres long and up to 220 yards / 200 metres wide, the beach is estimated to be 100 million tonnes of pebbles. It rises to 16 yards / 15 metres above sea level. Thought to date back some 6,000 years, the beach is the result of onshore currents and rising sea levels. It is moving inland at a rate of 6 yards / 5 metres per century.
Interestingly, the pebbles are naturally graded in size from fist-sized near Portland (at the eastern end of the beach) to pea-sized at Bridport (at the western end of the beach). The pebbles are mainly a mix of flint and chert. The beach shelters the Fleet, which is Britain’s largest tidal lagoon. The water is up to 3 metres deep. The Fleet is home to many wading birds and the Abbotsbury Swannery. This is a managed colony of nesting swans, thought to have been established by monks at the former monastery of Abbotsbury.
The South Dorset Ridgeway is part of the South West Coast Path National Trail and was the original route (the route around Portland was only created in 2003). It now provides an alternative route to walking over the pebbles of Chesil Beach, with great views of the Jurassic Coast and also of the inland scenery of river valleys and chalk downland. This landscape was well known to the author Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) who used it as the background to several of his stories.
The walk starts and ends in the village of Abbotsbury, which is known for its picturesque historic buildings and thatched cottages. It was the site of a monastery, which fell victim to King Henry VIII’s dissolution of monastic establishments in the mid-16th century. There are some remains of the abbey, including a large tithe barn (built circa 1400) and St Catherine’s Chapel, a 14th century pilgrimage chapel that stands on a hill between the village and the coast.
Dogs: well-behaved dogs are welcome on the walk, but must be under close control at all times and on a lead in the vicinity of livestock or where wildlife may be disturbed.
Waitlist: if this event is fully booked and you want to join us, add yourself to the wait list because places usually become available closer to the event date.
Photo credits: all photos courtesy of Geograph and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. Abbotsbury coastline © Copyright Mark Percy; Abbotsbury Chapel © Copyright Ian Capper; Abbotsbury Swannery © Copyright David Dixon; Path to Dorset Ridgeway © Copyright Maurice D Buddon; Abbotsbury Castle © Copyright Rob Noble; South Dorset Ridgeway © Copyright Malc McDonald.
What to bring
The right kit makes a good day out more likely, despite the weather:
Boots: your most important piece of kit: comfortable, waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be OK.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for sunny days, even in winter. Sun cream: to prevent sunburn, even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to grab.
Water and other fluid: bring at least a litre, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink (in cooler weather) is recommended.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for your own use only) is a good idea.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water or other fluids (one to two litres) to drink. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink (in cooler weather) is recommended.