Ladram Bay to Sidmouth

The views from Ladram Bay to Sidmouth are some of the most dramatic on the East Devon coastline. Both Ladram Bay and Sidmouth are situated on the Triassic Otter Sandstone. This is the same sandstone which, at depth, is an important oil reservoir at the Wytch Farm Oilfield near Poole.

Among the more impressive sights along this stretch of coast are the sea stacks at Ladram Bay. The sea hollowed out caves in the relatively soft Otter Sandstone and these, in time and with the further action of the sea, came to form arches of rock separate from the main cliff. Eventually, these arches collapsed, leaving the stacks we see today. The base of the stacks is formed of a harder band of sandstone and this is preventing their complete destruction by the sea. Towards the south-west of the Bay can be seen some pale pipes in the sandstone, a visual echo through time of the roots of plants that managed to survive in the dry Triassic conditions. Within the cliffs below High Peak and Chit Rocks at Sidmouth a number of very rare fossils of Triassic fish, reptiles and amphibians have been found.

At Windgate Cliffs you can head inland to visit Peak Hill and Mutter’s Moor. These sites overlay an interesting geology in their own right. For example, Peak Hill is underlain by flint gravel that was probably left behind following the solution of an original cover of chalk during the early Tertiary period. These sites also make a pleasing diversion for their wildlife and views, with areas of heath and woodland to be enjoyed.

Facilities:
Toilets and cafés are available in Sidmouth.