Walking out to Portland bill along the Westcliff path is a great walk, it's common to see the locals as well as ramblers walking this way on the weekends and daily with dogs, the odd cyclist too.
Reaching Portland bill itself and continuing along the coast path up towards the east side of the island you pass these cliffs, with the numerous caves dotted along the bottom... pirates stash paradise?
Gotta be some damn treasure somewhere!
As you can see there is a crane in the picture, one of three dotted along the cliffs. This is the furthest one from the lighthouse itself and not really used these days.
A common but dangerous practice you see in the summer is teens "tomb-stoning" ... ie, jumping into the sea from the cliffs, and yes most of us did it, me included.
The sensible ones of those who did it would always CHECK the water depth (tide) and landing spot.
BUT it is a dangerous thrill and I wouldn't want my sons doing it to be honest!
I don't recommend or endorse anyone doing it.
How selfish we were to put our own parents through that worry. Sorry mum!
A nice walk around the island along this route should take you the best part of the day, but it IS well worth it and you see more of the island doing this than driving around it.
It is a great walk along there whatever the weather. Even when the sea is rough it's great to watch the waves splash over the top. As for the tomb-stoning I was never that brave but great to watch the 'mad' locals jumping in!!!
ReplyDeleteYou get some great pictures when it's rough if you can keep the camera still that is. ;o)
ReplyDeleteDon't think a single summer goes by when there is NO tombstoning out there.
Seems to be one of the local pastimes in the summer, just have to be very careful.
Really it's not worth the risk, but as a teenager you don't think that way.
We get more sensible as we age and just enjoy the damn walk... ;o)
Rob