Weymouth to Abbotsbury Walk

13.3 miles (21.4 km)

This walk follows part of the South West Coast Path from Weymouth to Abbotsbury. The route runs for just under 13 miles, starting from the beach and Pleasure Pier in the town.... You then follow the coast path along Portland Harbour to Sandsfoot Cove and Chesil Beach. Here you turn north west passing Butterstreet Cove, Chesil Bank Nature Reserve and the village of Langton Herring before climbing to Abbotsbury.
This is one of the most varied sections of the Dorset coast, linking the traditional seaside resort of Weymouth with the historic village of Abbotsbury. Leaving the town, the route follows the sheltered waters of Portland Harbour before reaching the dramatic shingle ridge of Chesil Beach, one of Britain's most remarkable natural landforms. The beach stretches for 18 miles from Portland to West Bay and forms part of the Jurassic Coast.
Beyond Sandsfoot Castle the path passes beneath low cliffs and follows the landward side of Chesil Beach, with extensive views across the Fleet Lagoon. This internationally important wetland is one of England's largest tidal lagoons and supports significant populations of wading birds, wildfowl and other wetland wildlife. The nearby Chesil Bank Nature Reserve protects valuable coastal habitats including shingle vegetation, saltmarsh and reedbeds.
The peaceful village of Langton Herring sits just inland from the lagoon and retains much of its traditional Dorset character, with stone cottages and surrounding farmland. The final climb to Abbotsbury rewards walkers with magnificent views over Chesil Beach, the Fleet and Lyme Bay before descending into one of Dorset's most historic villages. Abbotsbury is well known for its medieval abbey remains, the Abbotsbury Swannery, and the nearby Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, set in a sheltered valley on the edge of the village.