Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
Orcombe Point
Coastal reserve
Source image
6.4
Wildland
1–2 hours for a short out-and-back from Exmouth
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.4At the western end of the Jurassic Coast, the Geoneedle marks the beginning of a coastline whose cliffs reveal rocks from different geological periods.
Orcombe Point pairs open Lyme Bay views with a striking, place-specific landmark: the Geoneedle, built to represent the Jurassic Coast’s geology. It makes a worthwhile coastal walk from Exmouth, though the approach includes steep slopes.
Dramatic · Big-sky · Wild
Find your way
Open mapOrcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
Opening map…
The experience
Walk out from Exmouth to the Geoneedle, take in the cliff-top views across Lyme Bay, then return the same way or follow the longer circular walk described by Tripadvisor. The route has steep slopes in places.
Things to do
See the Geoneedle
Visit the stone sculpture marking the western start of the Jurassic Coast and representing the area’s geological layers.
Allow time for a stop during your walk
Take in the cliff-top views
Pause at Orcombe Point for views across Lyme Bay; the walk listing reports outstanding views near the Geoneedle.
Walk the Exmouth–Orcombe Point circuit
Follow the described 5.4-mile circular walk from Exmouth Station via Littleham Cross, countryside, the South West Coast Path and The Beacon.
5.4 miles; duration not stated
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: walk to the Geoneedle
- 01
Start from Exmouth and follow the coastal path towards Orcombe Point.
- 02
Pause at the Geoneedle and look over Lyme Bay.
- 03
Return to Exmouth the same way.
Half day · Allow half a day
Make a half day of it: take the circular walk
- 01
Begin at Exmouth Station.
- 02
Follow the described circular route via Littleham Cross and countryside to the South West Coast Path.
- 03
Pass Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle, then return along the cliff top and past historic buildings in The Beacon.
Verified history
Orcombe Point is identified in the supplied sources as the western start of the Jurassic Coast. The Geoneedle is a stone marker representing the coast’s geological layers. The sources describe the surrounding cliffs and coastal landscape as shaped by geological processes over millions of years.
Hidden details
Read the Geoneedle’s stones — The monument is made from stones representing geological layers of the Jurassic Coast; look for the differences in the stonework rather than treating it as just a viewpoint marker.
When to go
May · June · July · August · September · Early morning or late afternoon, as suggested by the supplied source row for avoiding peak-season crowds.
The supplied source row recommends late spring and summer for warmer, clearer conditions. Coastal walking is possible year-round, but exposed paths may feel harsher in winter.
The supplied source row warns that winter can bring brisk winds and slippery paths. Check the forecast and conditions before walking.
Worth pairing with
Exmouth
Use Exmouth as the starting point for the coastal walk; the supplied source row reports dining and refreshment options in town.
What to look for
Look closely at the Geoneedle: its stonework represents different parts of the Jurassic Coast’s geology. From the cliff top, notice the layered coastal landscape and changing views across Lyme Bay.
The story
Geology and the Jurassic Coast
Best time to go
Late spring to early autumn for generally milder coastal walking; the point can also make a dramatic winter outing in suitable conditions.
The supplied source row recommends May to September and suggests early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak-season crowds. Conditions can be windy or slippery, so check the forecast and path conditions.
How long to spend
1–2 hours for a short out-and-back from Exmouth; allow longer for the 5.4-mile circular walk.
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Practical information
Opening & access
Reached on the South West Coast Path from Exmouth. The supplied route description reports steep slopes in places; check current path conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
The source row reports parking along the Exmouth seafront; check current arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
The source row reports public toilets within walking distance; check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
No café is reported at Orcombe Point. The source row says Exmouth has dining and refreshment options.
Dogs
The source row describes the place as dog-friendly. Check current local rules and signage before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row describes uneven terrain and says the path is not fully wheelchair accessible. Tripadvisor describes steep slopes on the walk.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Orcombe Point
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances