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Lulworth Cove
The Dorset and East Devon coast is classified as a world heritage site, in recognition of its extraordinary geology. Along this ninety five mile stretch of coastline there is a complete set of geological deposits spanning 85 million years, from Kimmeridge Clays, laid down at least 150 million years ago, to Cretaceous period chalk, dating to 65 million years ago. About 30 million years ago a major upheavel in the Earth's crust threw up the Alps. These same movements tipped Dorset rock strata sideways, so that today they emerge at the coast with the appearance of books cast casually on a shelf. In these "books" a vast story of Earth history can be read.
A good way to explore the heritage coast is to park at Lulworth Cove, pictured above. This beautiful circular bay has a sweep of millions of years of earth history in its cliffs. Light coloured rocks on the left of the picture are 100 million year old greensands, sandy coloured rocks in the middle are 130 million year old Wealden Beds, followed by Purbeck Beds, and finally dark ancient rocks of Portland Beds at the mouth of the bay. These were laid down around 140 million years ago and reveal the remains of a forest. Walk east along the coast path from Lulworth Cove and you will soon come to a fossilised forest, where late Jurassic tree stumps and fallen trunks are preserved in Portland Limestone. Note that the path along this stretch of coastline passes through a military training area. It is open most weekends, but check at the Lulworth Cove visitors' centre for details.
Durdle Door
Walk west along the spectacular coast path from Lulworth Cove and you will come to Durdle Door. Here the remains of a lost cliff of Portland stone stand as a ridge extending out into the present bay. The sea has broken into softer rocks behind the Portland stone leaving a ridge into which waves have beaten out a gap - the famous Durdle Door.
The walk between Lulworth and Durdle Door takes about forty five minutes. The path is steep.
A visitors centre at Lulworth Cove describes the geology of the area using exhibits and audio visual displays. There is also a gift shop and restaurant.
Geological progression on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Chalk - best seen at Lulworth Cove, St Oswalds Bay and Durdle Door. Laid down in clear sea far from land.
Greensand - best seen at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Laid down in shallow, clear sea
Wealden Beds - best seen at Mupe Bay, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Laid down in freshwater rivers, swamps and lakes.
Purbeck Beds - best seen at Mupe Bay, the Fossil Forest and Stair Hole. Laid down in freshwater and brackish lagoons.
Portland Beds - best seen at Stair Hole and Dungy Head. Laid down in shallow, clear sea.
Kimmeridge Clay - best seen at Kimmeridge Bay. Laid down in shallow to moderately deep muddy sea.
Directions: Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on the Jurassic Heritage Coast.
Access: There are adapted toilet facilities at Lulworth Cove, and access to the beach is fairly easy, although the path is rather steep. Access to the coast paths would be very difficult for those with mobility problems.
Contact:
telephone Lulworth Castle: 01929 400352
web site: www.lulworth.com