Walk Leader
John Tilsley
Capacity
10
It is appropriate for a walk on Architecture and the Built Environment should be on Portland. Much of the stone for the Iconic buildings in London having been quarried on the Island. this walk starts from the highest point on the Isle of Portland with its views of Lyme Bay and Weymouth.
We head East towards the first of the massive structures constructed by the Victorians. The Verne Citadel/Prison with its associated protecting Batteries on the way we pass a number of disused quarries with there associated inclined planes trackways and bridges.
Turning South we head towards the convict village of The Grove constructed as an entity from 1848 with prison, warder accommodation, school and St Peter's Church.
From there it is west towards the village of Easton for Lunch before continuing on to the wonderful Georgian church of St George's in its original form untouched by the Victorians. We will return to our starting point via the Sculpture Park another repurposed quarry.
Walk Location
Portland's Victorian Legacy
Walk Directions
The starting Point is in Yeates Road left of the A354 just past the Portland Heights Hotel. There is ample free parking on the road behind a vey prominent stone reservoir. The number 1 bus stops here and runs every 20 minutes. The bus can be boarded at Weymouth station which has a frequent service from Waterloo and a less frequent service from Bristol. I have allocated 5 hours for the walk which is 4 miles long this will include a stop in Easton for lunch there are plenty of outlets including an excellent cafe.
Accessibility
The walk is essentially flat on firm surfaces, there may be mud and puddles in the quarries. There are steep steps in the High Angle Batteries but these can be avoided.
Feedback Meeting Type
In Person
Feedback Talk Date and Time
Feedback Talk Address
Literary and Scientific Institute
51 East Street
Bridport
DT6 3JX
United Kingdom
Feedback Talk Location
50.733572019425, -2.75627455
Feedback Talk Directions
We have now booked the LSI meeting room in Bridport together with Bridport walkers for our show and tell session, and have the use of the courtyard for a picnic/packed lunch. Tea and coffee are provided.
The institute is at 51 East Street, Bridport DT6 3JX, on the main street. You may be able to park in the East Street carpark which is closest, but are more likely to find a space in Victoria Grove or Rope Walks (our walk meeting place), both of which are accessed from West Street.
If anyone is unable to make the meeting, we may be able to arrange a zoom follow-up.