Exmouth and Devon
Exmouth & East Devon Places of Interest
Exmouth's idyllic location makes it the perfect centre from which to explore the unspoilt delights and charms of East Devon. The many additions and improvements to its facilities over the years have complimented its relaxed and timeless quality.
Cyclists can take the designated cycle route from Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton on the old railway line and, of course, walkers are spoilt for choice with the spectacular South Devon coastal path or the East Devon Way.
At the Orcombe Point end of the promenade, a climb up the zig-zag path brings you to the coastal path and the impressive Geoneedle.
The Exe Estuary is renowned for its abundant winter birdlife and enthusiasts arrive each year to catch sight of the Avocet and many other wildfowl and wading birds. This fascinating stretch of water attracts artists, photographers, naturalists and all manner of tourists and locals.
The Jurassic Coast
The Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site is England's first 'natural' World Heritage Site; it is known as the Jurassic Coast. The Jurassic Coast covers 95 miles of truly stunning coastline from East Devon to Dorset, with geology recording 185million years of the Earth's history.
World Heritage status was achieved because of the site's unique insight into the Earth Sciences, as it clearly depicts a geological 'walk through time' spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Exmouth forms part of the UNESCO designated Devon Heritage Coast. Start your exploration of this beautiful coastline at the Royal Beacon Hotel in Exmouth.
The Cliff Walk to Budleigh Salterton
The Dorset and East Devon Coast has been officially ranked alongside the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon as one of the natural wonders of the world. It stretches from Orcombe Point at Exmouth in Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset.
Orcombe Point in Exmouth is the part of the cliff line that marks the start of the World Heritage Site and is signified by a 'Geoneedle' (a pointed stone needle). Here the rocks are 250 million years old and red in colour, due to the desert environment that existed in that area. These rocks show the Triassic period and are the oldest section of the coastline.
After an initial walk along the seafront there is a short climb to the coast path and a visit to the Geoneedle that marks the western boundary of the 'Jurassic Coast', officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince Charles on Thursday 3rd October 2002.
Local Nature Reserve
If it's low tide, you can gaze westward across the enormous area of mud-bank known as Cockle Sand, with the river a long way away; if it's high tide, there is an unbelievably vast expanse of water. On the River Exe, many species of birds can be seen. The first section of the path is surfaced for wheelchair users and is part of the Exmouth Local Nature Reserve, including Brent Goose.
The estuary of the River Exe is renowned nationally and beyond as a site of special scientific interest and an important habitat for wading and migrating birds. It receives many visitors the whole year round as a site of pilgrimage for ornithologists.
The estuary of the River Exe is renowned nationally and beyond as a site of special scientific interest and an important habitat for wading and migrating birds. It receives many visitors the whole year round as a site of pilgrimage for ornithologists.
For more information visit the Exmouth Guide website.
