I planned this walk using OS Explorer map OL15 1:25,000 with my 'equals' partner. This was an area neither of us had ever walked in before. We travelled to the start at Abbotsbury by bus from our accommodation in Weymouth.
From Abbotsbury we headed South on a small road for 0.7 mile/1.1km to Horsepool Farm. We then headed West on the SW Coastal Path for 1.2 mile/1.9km on an exposed ridge. The 40 mph wind was coming from the South West and I had to stop several times to steady myself. At West Elworth we headed South towards the coast staying on the SW Coastal Path. This was across undulating farm land to the coast 2 miles/3.2km We then walked for 6.5 miles/10.4km to Ferry Bridge along the coast path. The route was in and out of inlets all the way, we were buffeted by the wind from different directions all day. The footpath was often uneven and we sometimes needed to make our way across small beaches. To the right we could see Chesil Beach with waves crashing against it. I could see dilapidated boat houses on the beach, but there were no people there today. I learnt, later, that Chesil Beach is the largest tombolo, (Spit that connects an island to mainland.), in the UK connecting Portland to Abbotsbury. At Ferry Bridge we continued along well made paths to Weymouth. 4.5 miles/7.3km By this time the wind had dropped a lot and the walking was easier.
Total time taken 5hours 48mins. Distance 14.74 miles Elevation Gain 2,654ft Elevation Loss 2,822ft. Winds 40 mph
