Orcombe Point, Coastal promontory in Exmouth, England
Orcombe Point is a rocky promontory with red sandstone cliffs rising above the shore at Exmouth, marking the western boundary of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The cliffs display clearly visible rock layers that span multiple geological periods and can be read in the exposed stone faces.
The rock formations at Orcombe Point developed across the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, spanning approximately 185 million years of Earth's history. These stacked layers record how the environment and life on Earth transformed across vast timescales.
The Geoneedle monument at the summit brings together stones from different locations along the Jurassic Coast into a single artwork. This sculpture serves as a physical representation of how the coastline's various rock types connect across time and space.
This headland can be reached via the Southwest Coast Path, a well-marked coastal walking route that is easy to follow. Parking is available nearby at Exmouth Beach and Sandy Bay, making access straightforward for most visitors.
The rock layers here are tilted and reveal an almost unbroken sequence of three geological ages side by side. This unusual exposure allows visitors to literally touch stones that formed millions of years apart in Earth's history.
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