Orcombe Point

Orcombe Point is the most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Discover the Geoneedle, a landmark representing 180 million years of the Earth's history with Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous rock and take in the stunning views over the Exe estuary and out to sea.

Follow the South West Coast Path passing through meadows rich with wild flowers in spring and summer which play host to an array of wildlife.

The Geoneedle

The Geoneedle at Orcombe Point is a landmark constructed of the various rock types found along the World Heritage coastline. It was commissioned from public artist, sculptor and designer Michael Fairfax to commemorate the opening of the World Heritage Site and was unveiled by HRH the Prince of Wales in 2002.

Leading up to the Geoneedle is a Jurassic coast hopscotch. Jump on different types of stones through geological time from Triassic (Red Sandstone) to Cretaceous (Limestone).

The Jurassic Coast

The ascent to Orcombe Point shows the successive layers of different sedimentary rocks, which were deposited under varying geological conditions.

At the base are cross-bedded sandstones. Towards the top, the rock types are those deposited by quieter, slower-flowing waters such as siltstones and mudstones. The sediments are marked red which indicates they were formed in a desert and belong to the Aylesbeare Mudstone Group, dating from the Triassic period 250 million years ago.

Find out more

National Trust Website