Skip to content
1170993 The Geoneedle, Orcombe Point, Exmouth.jpg
The Geoneedle marks the western end of the Jurassic Coast | © National Trust Images/Tim Bowden
Devon

Orcombe Point circular walk

The most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast, a Unesco World Heritage Site, Orcombe Point offers views over the Exe estuary and out to sea. Follow part of the South West Coast Path before passing through meadows rich with wild flowers in spring and summer. Keep an eye out for birds and butterflies, and pause at the Geoneedle, a landmark representing 180 million years of the Earth's history with Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous rock.

Total steps: 5

Total steps: 5

Start point

Foxholes Hill Road, Devon EX8 2DQ. Grid ref: SY016799.

Step 1

Facing the sea, walk across the grassy area towards the bottom left-hand corner. Follow the footpath through the wooded area and turn left onto the tarmacked footpath. Continue on this path until you come to the National Trust Omega sign.

Step 2

Take the right-hand fork and follow the path towards the trees. Continue down towards the sea, following the path in an arc, back up towards the Geoneedle.

Step 3

From the Geoneedle follow the South West Coast Path uphill, admiring views of the distinctive red Devon cliffs on your right. On the right you may spot the old lookout used by the Exmouth Home Guard during the Second World War to keep a watch for enemy invasion. As you reach the summit of the hill take the pathway on your left signposted 'permissive path'.

Step 4

After walking into the field continue until you see a 'permissive footpath' signpost directing you to the left. Follow the permissive path heading downhill. Continue on this path until you reach the wooden gate and rejoin the path near the Geoneedle.

Step 5

Turn right and walk along the path, passing the omega sign and retracing your steps to Foxholes Hill Road.

End point

Foxholes Hill Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 2DQ. Grid ref: SY016799.

Trail map

Orcombe Point walk map
Orcombe Point walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

view of valley and winter trees with blue sky
Trail
Trail

Salcombe Views and Valleys Walk 

Follow the Salcombe Hill circular walk trail in Devon for views of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site cliffs and valleys and to the Weston Plats for its 19th-century cliff allotments.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)
Sunny view over flowering clifftop gorse bushes down to the seaside town of Sidmouth, red sandstone cliffs in the distance
Trail
Trail

Salcombe Hill to Sidmouth circular walk 

Starting with views across the Sid valley, this 5 mile circular walk showcases the regency town of Sidmouth, and then takes you upriver through a tranquil riverside park.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)
Take a peak at the view of Sidmouth over the gorse growing along the coast
Trail
Trail

Salcombe Hill Circular Walk 

Enjoy incredible views on this gentle walk around Salcombe Hill in Devon.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Get in touch

Summer Lane, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 5BD

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

A view of the Geoneedle with the sea and sky behind at Orcombe Point, Exmouth, East Devon
Article
Article

Explore Orcombe Point 

Orcombe Point is the most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast. Discover the Geoneedle landmark, as well wildflower meadows playing host to an array of wildlife.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

Visitors walking in the grounds at Knightshayes, Devon

Walking in Devon 

From rugged coastline with captivating views to gentle woodland strolls, these are some of the best walks in Devon this winter.

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

The view at Orcombe Point looking towards Exmouth, Devon

South West Coast Path 

Find out more about the 630-mile footpath.