SY6974 : Castletown, cemetery entrance

The Verne

152m Elevation
144m Prominence
England Country
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SY6974 : Castletown, cemetery entrance

Mike Faherty Photo source

Explore routes near The Verne

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Durdle Door coastal walk

6.8 km ~2h 20m Moderate

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Langdon Hill Circular

2.2 km ~50m Easy

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Wilverley Inclosure Walk, New Forest

5.2 km ~1h 30m Easy

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Westhay–Mearse–Shapwick

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Verne Hill Circular

A wonderful circular route starting from the old quarry, offering views of the surroundings while meandering through the natural beauty of the area.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate

The Verne to St. Aldhelm's Head

A more challenging route extolling panoramic views along the coast, featuring some up and downs that keep your heart racing.

8 km ~3 hours Challenging
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Make a day of it, together

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 100-199m hill Submarilyn

Elevation

152m

500 ft

Prominence

144m

Coordinates

50.5636, -2.4370

SY691738

OS Map

194

Explorer: OL15W

At the Summit

The summit features a military observation point and commanding views over Portland Harbour. There’s a small stone cairn marking the top, though it won’t be competing with the likes of Ben Nevis anytime soon!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with some chalky paths and well-trodden tracks. Perfect for a good old-fashioned stomp.

The Verne is primarily composed of chalk, a soft and porous limestone that contributes to unique ecosystem diversity. This geology allows for rare flora to thrive in the area, adding to the ecological charm of the region.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the Jurassic Coast, Portland Bill, and the Isle of Portland, with the shimmering waters of the English Channel bobbing in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Verne' likely comes from the old English for 'alder' trees that once covered the heights.

Historical Significance

Historically, during the 19th century, the Verne was heavily fortified and served as a naval lookout point during important maritime battles.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the entrance to the Verne Hill Nature Reserve which accommodates around 10 vehicles.

Public Transport

Buses run from Weymouth to Portland with the nearest stop being a 15-minute walk from the access point.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly at the summit, but Weymouth offers ample options including cafes and toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be aware of steep drops near the edge, particularly in foggy conditions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up The Verne?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around The Verne through the maps

Are there other walkers around The Verne?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for The Verne search or of course create your own walk for The Verne

Can I organise a walk to The Verne?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to The Verne.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up The Verne?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to The Verne here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SY691738

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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