YOUR QUEST

Luke E. Here had been rummaging through his late father’s old steel trunk. He discovered that the old man had spent the last few years searching for a hidden treasure of gold supposedly left by his ancestors, Pirates. Luke became curious, maybe the old man was near to cracking the clues to the location of a fortune, perhaps he was so close but just missed it. Now you can help make that final search and grab the Pirate’s gold.

The Portland Bill 2 Trail

This Trail, as with the Portland Bill Spy Trail has the most spectacular views. From The Bill you can see as far as South Point in Devon to Durlston Head in the East. The Trail takes you along the coast path, some of which runs close to high unfenced cliff edges, so great care is needed in these spots. The only beach on this side of the Island is Church Ope Cove, a lovely secluded spot. Over looking the Cove are the remains of Rufus Castle, unfortunately part of the ramparts fell onto the Coast Path in 2005. At the rear of the castle is Rufus church and 'The Pirates Graveyard' with its fascinating ancient gravestones, with some you can make out a carving of the scull and crossbones. The thatched Portland Museum is set along this Trail, famous as the setting in Thomas Hardy's 'The Well Beloved', and well worth a visit to see more of Portland's history. Onward past the Young Offenders Centre, The High Angle Battery and the impressive Verne Citadel, a fortress originally built for 1000 soldiers, but now a medium security prison, and onto to The Heights Hotel.

This Treasure Trail starts at Portland Bill and ends at the Heights Hotel. The Portland Bill 1 Spy Trail goes back to The Bill but around the other side of the island. Many parts of this section of the coast path are quite rugged which makes it unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.