A walk back in time

Inspired by our article about the Jurassic Coast’s wildlife and geology? A new series of guided walks offers you the perfect chance to explore the history and beauty of this fascinating World Heritage Site. The layers of rock exposed along the 95 miles of coast between Exmouth in East Devon and Studland in Dorset record 185 million years of Earth history through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

The rocks exposed in the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast are gently tilted to the east, meaning the oldest are exposed in the west and, as you travel east from Exmouth, the layers of rock get progressively younger and younger. This gives us a ‘walk through time’ that is seen nowhere else in the world.

‘Rock Around the Coast’ walks will span the entire 95-mile length of the Jurassic Coast, taking place every Saturday throughout the summer. Each leg will be led by a different expert guide, offering you the opportunity to learn about the Jurassic Coast and the people that work to preserve and promote the area. The walks all follow the South West Coast Path National Trail, starting where the last one finished, and cost £5 per adult, with children under 16 invited along for free. The funds raised by Rock Around the Coast will help support conservation and education projects along the Jurassic Coast.

The dates and routes for each walk are:

13 June: Worth Matravers to Kimmeridge Bay
20 June: Kimmeridge Bay to Lulworth Cove
27 June: Lulworth Cove to Weymouth
4 July: Portland coast circular
11 July: Ferrybridge to Abbotsbury
18 July: Abbotsbury to West Bay
25 July: West Bay to Charmouth
1 August: Lyme Regis to Seaton
8 August: Seaton to Branscombe
15 August: Branscombe to Sidmouth
22 August: Sidmouth to Budleigh Salterton
29 August: Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth

Bookings for any of these walks can be made by calling the Purbeck Information and Heritage Centre on 01929 552740. For general enquiries, please email walks@jurassiccoast.com

Image: www.jurassiccoast.com