Geology - often hidden, but clearly seen from the Coast Path

See the Walks for Everyone pages to find descriptions of Coast Path walks which are especially good for geology. You can search for a walk that is known for its geological interest as well as by area, length and degree of difficulty.

Travel back through millions of years... Look for evidence of ancient deserts or fossil forests, track the dinosaurs on the Jurassic Coast. Follow the path across granite, serpentine, primeval seabeds and coral reefs.

As you walk the South West Coast Path you will journey across the varied geology displayed in our coastline.

Some rocks may not attract your attention while others are more noticeable. They may be particularly colourful, have unusual patterns, contain fossils or be contorted into fantastic shapes. These features are all evidence of how and where rocks were formed. As they vary in age, they provide a record of how the environment has changed over hundreds of millions of years.

The coastal geology of Dorset and East Devon is so unique and played such an important part in the development of the earth sciences that it has been designated a World Heritage Site.

Here’s a whistle-stop tour of some geological stories you will encounter along the South West Coast Path.

These rocks were laid down over several hundred million years when this area was part of a vast ocean basin. Sediments that were eroded from the adjacent land were deposited in the sea by rivers. Coarse sediments were laid down in deltas and shallows to eventually form sandstones, while fine particles were carried into deeper water to form mudstones and shales. Fossils of animals and plants characteristic of these different environments are found locally.

These rocks were later affected by intense heat and pressure, changing their character and distorting them into faults and folds. The Coast Path walker will see especially spectacular examples of folded rocks on the north coast between Hartland and Crackington Haven.

The presence of tin, copper and several other minerals is related to the granite masses of South West England. As magma cooled to form granite, hot gases and super-heated water penetrated cracks and fissures in the surrounding rocks. The water and gases cooled and the chemical elements they contained crystallised out as mineral veins. High temperature minerals (such as tin and copper) were deposited closest to the granite, and lower temperature ones (such as zinc and lead) further away.

You will come across all of these as you walk the Coast Path around the edge of the Lizard. The serpentine varies from reds to greens and greys - colours that are beautifully brought out when the rocks are wet or polished. Look out for sea-washed beach pebbles and the serpentine souvenirs made and sold locally to see this effect. You will also find it where thousands of feet have polished the serpentine stones in the surface of the Coast Path and its stone stiles.