The 2 previous reviews mentioned problems at Chafey's Lake, but the path was good when I walked it. Update 13/10/23 - Dorset council report the tree across the footbridge at Chafey's Lake has been cleared....

Helen Gough

From Nottington there are 2 short road walking sections which meant the end wasn't so much fun. Walking through the village is fine, but then there is a short section of road walking, which isn't awful, but it's a bit of a let down after the beginning of the route. The road isn't that busy, visibility is good, and there are verges, so it's ok, but not fun....

Helen Gough

I suggest using the lower way road to start the route as the northern path tried to go through a dense overgrown path. You can see the worn path goes to the left of the sign....

Aamwalk

My intention was to walk route 2, but discovered the coastal path at Wyke Regis is currently closed for repairs (from 12th Jun 23 to circa 12th Dec 23) so you are directed along route 1. As there are already two excellent reviews for route 1 and 2 I will focus on very specific sections and adding more photos to give a sense of the path....

Aamwalk

There were quite a few parts where the route used narrow footpaths bordered by electric or barbed wire fences, which puts me off a bit, especially if it's slippery underfoot. Once on Portland the route passed through the marina, then uphill and through housing estates (with amazing views) to the end....

Helen Gough

There was nothing wrong with this walk as such but for me too much of it was along tracks with either barbed wire or electric fences on both sides. Having said that, some nice views and walk along by the sea to be had....

Jane Gough

On Fleet Common Close to Chickerell, the route goes across a field, but the path has been diverted around the edge of the field. There is a pub in Langton Herring roughly half way through the walk....

Helen Gough

This part of the walk is long and noisy, stay on the left of the path as cyclists can appear behind you. You’ll walk alongside field boundaries before a sharp left turn, this part of the walk takes you onto the Nottington road. There are some undulating field boundaries to walk along but the only problem on the last stretch into Chickerell, when our path was blocked by a locked gate. It has been reported, but if it is still blocked, walk back 20 metres and turn right, following the hedge that leads to Lower Putton Lane (as per the gpx file)...

Lynn Jackson

This can easily be avoided by crossing over to the coastal path. Instead follow the clearly marked path, turn right at the lane on exiting the range, and you will soon be back on the gps route. After a quarter of a mile, it briefly joins a road, then a path along the back of another holiday park, from which it exits onto Westhill Road in Wyke Regis. A third of a mile down Westhill Road, where it bends sharply to the left at the entrance to Martleaves Farm campsite, turn right instead and follow the marked footpath beside the campsite. This leads down to the shore of the Fleet, where you turn left and follow the coastal path. (If heading in the reverse direction, turn left as soon as you can after crossing the Ferry Bridge, along the margin of the Fleet lagoon, and you will come to the coastal path. Follow the path for about half a mile to the first intersecting footpath, where you can turn right and rejoin the official route at its end)....

gabrielhyde

The first part of the current route [Dorchester - Upwey] has two major issues:....

pmostert

There are numerous stiles and on the day I walked there were cows in several fields. Extensive views over Chesil Beach....

Kay

A good route, avoiding traffic or more circuitous routes. However, the Chafey’s Lake section is very waterlogged after minimal rainfall. It was impassable in January....

Kay