Portland views from Hardy's Monument — National Trust coastal walks in West Dorset

This hike offers spectacular views of the sea, the Isle of Portland and Chesil Beach. Over 4.3 miles (7 km), you can enjoy undulating downland, Neolithic ruins, the pretty village of Portesham and the majesty of the 18th-century Hardy’s Monument. This trail has a variety of terrain and one steep section as you ascend Black Down from the village.

1) Begin at Hardy’s Monument car park (NT) and hike south through Benecke Wood on a bridle path. After passing a barn, the route splits with onward trails going south west and south east.

2) Take the south westerly-going trail which leads you across fields downhill to Portesham.

3) Hike through the top of the village and take the bridle path between two pretty stone houses opposite Manor Close. Follow this trail as it winds westwards around the hill and then north, steeply uphill.

4) Near the top, take the bridleway to your right and follow it across fields to a lane. Cross straight over and continue along a footpath across two fields. Near the end of the second, you can cross a low wall and follow the boundary south briefly to find Hell Stone, a Neolithic burial chamber. After, return the same way to the path.

5) Continue east across a final field and then, you’ll find yourself at Benecke Wood again.

6) Take the bridleway on your left heading uphill and soon you’ll be back at Hardy’s Monument.