Climbing
Portland is a well established all year round climbing venue. The experienced can even try deep water soloing, which involves climbing cliff faces above very deep water. Portland is a climbing venue of national importance. Nowhere else in the country offers such extensive sports climbing for all climbing abilities. Portland has over 800 routes recorded along its coastal sea cliffs. NB Climbers should respect private property. They need to avoid conservation interest sites especially areas with nesting birds and rare plants that cling to cliff face. For their own safety climbers should also let someone know where they are going and when they intend to return. |
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Diving
Portland is recognised as one of the best diving sites in all of Europe as it has a wealth of marine life, wrecks both shallow and deep, open water and harbour ensuring there is always somewhere to dive. Portland offers diving suitable for the beginner to professionals offering dives to 70 meters using trimix. Being at the heart of the Jurassic Coast divers can also experience some amazing rock formations that those who are land based only will never get to see. Ferrybridge Underwater Trail - At Ferrybridge you will find an underwater nature trail in depths of between 5 to 8 metres. The area is best dived at slack water 1 hour after high tide. It is also worth mentioning here that the area has diverse marine life and you can often see wrasse, spider crabs, pollack, bib and mackerel as well as the odd conga so mind where you are putting your fingers among many other species. Wrecks - There are literally hundreds of wrecks around the Dorset coastline. Within Portland Harbour itself there are wrecks including landing craft, the Sea Vixen (aircraft), |
Fishing
According to the experts Portland is considered to be the top spot for sea angling in Britain. Portland's coves, rocky outcrops and Chesil Beach offer many opportunities to fish. This is confirmed by the number of national and international competitions that are regularly held here. There are many areas to fish around Portland so we will highlight some of the best areas: Church Ope Cove - Parking is available opposite Pennsylvania Castle and then you will have a short walk followed by a number of steps (around 100) to get to Church Ope Cove. Church Ope offers a number of options to fish from, either straight off the pretty beach or on the rocks either side of the cove. The left hand side of rocks in particular are considered one of the few places that you can catch Cuckoo Wrasse. |
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Alpaca walking Explore Portland from a different perspective, as you walk some lovely alpacas along the coastline. Take-in a delicious afternoon tea, or a cream tea at the Heights Hotel when you're done, and give consideration as to why you never thought to do it before! For details or to book, visit the Portland Alpacas website Group tours available on request. Pre-booking essential. Coach parking not available at the farm, but is available at the Heights Hotel (few minutes walk from the farm) |
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Photos courtesy of Signpost Cycling
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Electric Bike Tours
If hiring isn't your thing and you'd like to be shown around by a guide, no problem. Jurassic Electric Bikes, have come up with an ingenious idea to make cycling a whole lot more fun - electric bike tours. Scheduled half day tours start from £35 per person and itineraries include exploring the Isle of Portland’s fascinating past and present. Tours run throughout the year and depart from various convenient locations and the price includes bike, helmet and pannier hire. They can also organise tailor-made tours with a range of refreshment options. For more information, visit the www.jurassic-electric.co.uk or call Martin on 07796 135256. |