Chesil Beach

[The Stig]

The Chesil Beach (or Bank) is a shingle beach approx 16 miles long stretching from West Bay (Bridport) in the West to The Isle of Portland. For six miles East of West Bay the beach commences as a fine single fringe passing Burton Bradstock, (which some consider to be its start), until it reaches Abbotsbury .  where the shore recedes and and behind the beach a tidal lagoon, The Fleet, is formed. For its length of around 8 miles this lagoon is protected by the beach that forms a bar of pebbles over 20 foot high. At Ferrybridge the eastern extremity of the Fleet the beach forms a Tombolo ( bar of shingle ) rising to a height of 40ft and a width of 600ft at its base, which for two miles connects the mainland to the Isle of Portland.

 This Dorset phenomenon of pebbles, which is what its name, Chesil, means has no equal in the world. The pebbles, which gather from many parts of the coast stand on a bed of Kimmeridge clay and due to the prevailing winds and currents vary in size. At the Western end of the beach the make up is a fine shingle, as you walk Eastwards towards Portland the shingle changes gradually to larger and larger pebbles. This process is known as longshore drift. It is said that fishermen coming ashore in fog can ascertain where they are simply from the size of the pebbles.

A walk along the beach starting either at West Bay, Abbotsbury or Ferrybridge is the best way to experience the beach, (but very tiring). If you don't have the time or the energy the coast road from Weymouth to Bridport affords magnificent views for much of its length.

Photographed by The Stig from Portland Heights.

[Dare]

Looks like a beautiful stretch of land Stig.Do
you live close by?

[cosworth151]

Good shot, Stig. It looks and sound beautiful.

[The Stig]

Thanks chaps.It is near by where i took Mrs Stig for her birthday.
We were so lucky with the weather, and dare we are about 3 hours drive from it on a good day.

[Wizzo]

Nice one, I bet Mrs Stig was thrilled to bits.

[The Stig]

Guaranteed this and next years Silverstone!

[Ian]

Told you that you were tricky did'nt I Stig. 

[The Stig]

Not at all..She talked me out of Indy!

[cosworth151]

Sorry to hear that, Stig. By the way, the DVD arrived yesterday. It was sealed with a big, day-glo green piece of tape with "Inspected by Customs and Border Security" printed on it! What have you been up too?

[The Stig]

Great it has arrived OK.Had to fill in customs forms when i sent it, i guess they are checking everything nowdays.
They probably played it to see it was a film?

[cosworth151]

They prob. played it to watch the race!