Orcombe Point to Lympstone

Orcombe Point marks the western gateway of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and its oldest rocks, dating from the Permian period around 250 million years ago, can be seen here. The dramatic red mudstone and sandstone reveals evidence of a previous desert environment crossed with seasonal life-giving rivers similar to Namibia today. Rare plant fossils have been found here. Of more recent design is the Geoneedle unveiled by HRH the Prince of Wales in 2002 in celebration of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Passing westward from Orcombe Point you come to the Maer Local Nature Reserve. This is an area of sand dunes which before the construction of the road along the seafront would have been a landward extension of the bigger dunes on the beach. This sand rests on a raised beach which is 8 to10m above the present beach level.

Low cliffs at the northern end of Lympstone show an exposure of a rock consisting of large angular pebbles, made from a variety of rock types including granite, sandstone, and volcanic rocks. This is known as the Exe Breccia (a word that literally means ‘rubble’) and is the result of torrential flash floods bringing material from mountainous ground to the west.

This stretch of coastline also offers terrific views of the Exe Estuary, a site of international importance for its wildlife.

Facilities:
Toilets, cafés and car parking are available in Exmouth.