Quick facts about the Jurassic Coast

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Hobarrow Bay can be visited by parking at Kimmeridge Bay. You can either walk along the cliff to Charnel before descending to the beach to walk around Broad Bench, or simply walk all the way along the beach itself. This area lies within the MOD’s Lulworth Firing Range, but visitors are free to explore when the range walks are open to the public.

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Geological Information

Period Age

Jurassic

Approx Age

Million Years

Cretaceous Blanket

152None

Main Geology

Kimmeridge Clay

Beach Type

Rocky

Access to Beach

Fossil Hotspots:
Fossiling Around Kimmeridge

Fossiling Around Kimmeridge

While fossils can be found around Kimmeridge, they are often not very good for collecting as the rock in which they formed is very crumbly. The best specimens are found in the exposed ledges on the shore line. It is definitely not a good idea to look for fossils in the cliff or, as some people do, sit or sun bathe beneath them. These cliffs are very unstable and you only have to stop and listen for a short while to realize they are falling all the time. Occasionally large sections of cliff crash onto the beach without warning, so beware!

Geological Coastal Features:
Kimmeridge Ledges

Kimmeridge Ledges

The Kimmeridge Ledges are Llimestone fingers of rock that formed from fine silts during periods when the Jurassic Sea here at the time was deep. The ledges are clearly seen in the cliff and show the fall of the cliffs to the east. The ledges reach from the cliffs down onto the shore and far out to sea and have been responsible for numerous ship wrecks along this stretch of the Jurassic Coastline.

General Information

Nearest Coastal Visitor Centre

Kimmeridge Marine Centre

Nearest Town/Village or Area:

Kimmeridge

Nearest Tourist Info Centres

Wareham

Wildlife in this Area:
Rock Pools

Rock Pools

The Kimmeridge Ledges provide the best rock pooling to be had anywhere along the Jurassic Coast. The size of the area that is accessible at low tide is immense, and it is essential you time your visit with a low spring tide to make the most of your visit here.

General Interest:
MOD Lulworth Firing Range and Walking

MOD Lulworth Firing Range and Walking

The Lulworth Firing Range belongs to the Ministry of Defence. Everything from rifles, machine guns and tanks use the area which stretches along the coastline from Lulworth to Kimmeridge. Red flags fly when the area is in use, gates are locked and wardens patrol the area. There is a range patrol boat to guide shipping away from the danger areas and flying restrictions operate in the airspace overhead. The footpaths are cleared of any unexploded ordnance between the yellow markers, but occasionally unexploded shells can be washed up onto the beach. These are dangerous and should not be touched or moved. Contact the Range Wardens who will arrange the safe disposal of the offending item. It is worth mentioning that it is not uncommon for divers to see unexploded shells on the seabed. These should be left where they are and given a wide berth. The range walks and coast path are open most weekends and some weekdays, but more definite information can be obtained by contacting the Lulworth Firing Range Wardens on 01929 404819.