Cycling is probably the best way to appreciate the Dorset countryside and enjoy your stay on Portland. Almost all of West Dorset's 400 plus square miles is designated an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" and it is at the heart of the Thomas Hardy's Wessex.

The coastline, part of the Dorset Heritage Coast, changes dramatically, from the fossil encrusted cliffs of Lyme Regis and Charmouth to the 570 ft Golden Cap and finally the spectacular Chesil Beach, the 18 mile pebble bank which joins the isle of Portland to the mainland.

Various national cycleway routes can be accessed from Portland while the island itself offers the car-based cyclist as much as the long range traveller much to see. Please respect public ways of right while cycling and do not 'test' the patience of the very tolerant locals especially on coastal pathways.

Some of the most outstanding routes on Portland include the Verne to Lighthouse route, the West Cliff (Tout Quarry) to Portland Bill route, the Portland to Weymouth cycleway. Other nearby routes accessible directly from the island include but are not limited to the Weymouth to Burton Bradstock Route, Wareham Forest, Puddletown Forest and Hardy's Monument through the testing hills of Portesham.  

Local Cycling information:

• Map of Tour to the Isle of Portland
• Weymouth and Portland Cycle Routes

Westham Cycles: Contact "Mike" on 01305 776977.
This cycling centre is based in Weymouth and offers rentals as well as information to visitors.

Contact Budgie Burgess at the Breakwater / Aqua Hotel (01305 860269)
Castletown, Portland, Dorset DT5 1BD