The Geoneedle sculpture is composed of four distinct rock types: Portland limestone, Beer limestone, Salcombe Regis sandstone, and Budleigh Salterton pebble bed.
The red sandstone cliffs at Orcombe Point date back approximately 250 million years to the Triassic period.
Orcombe Point is the official starting point for the 630-mile South West Coast Path.
The site acts as a critical geological transition zone where the oldest rocks of the Jurassic Coast are visible at the westernmost end.
Orcombe Point serves as the western gateway to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning 95 miles of geological history. The site is identified by the Geoneedle, a prominent sculpture constructed from various local rock types representing the layers of the cliffs. It marks the start of the South West Coast Path, the longest national trail in the United Kingdom. The exposed Triassic sandstone cliffs at the point reveal distinctive red sedimentary rock layers. Visitors can observe fossils embedded within the cliff faces, although extraction is strictly prohibited to preserve the site. The area is highly prone to erosion, resulting in frequent rockfalls and shifting terrain at the base of the cliffs. It provides an unobstructed view across the Exe Estuary toward Dawlish Warren.
Directly in front of the Geoneedle sculpture, facing west toward the Exe Estuary at sunset.
Wear sturdy footwear with good grip to navigate the uneven, loose shingle and sand of the beach.
Check the local tide tables before visiting, as high tide can leave very little beach space and cut off access to certain sections.
Avoid standing directly beneath the cliff base due to the high risk of sudden rockfalls.
Do not climb the cliffs or walk directly underneath the crumbling overhangs, as erosion makes these areas unstable.
Do not remove fossils or rocks from the cliff face; observe from a distance and leave no trace.
