Start Point to Prawle Point

Start Point to Prawle Point is a truly beautiful stretch of south Devon coastline. It is underlain by rocks that are very different to those of the rest of Devon. These are known as mica schist, found at Start Point (SX 828372), and hornblende schist, which has a green tint and is found at Prawle Point (SX 772352).

These rocks are the result of intense pressure and heat acting on the original rocks during the ‘tectonic plate collision’ of Africa with Europe. The mica schists were originally shales, siltstones and sandstones, whilst the hornblende schists were once lavas and ashes, all probably of Devonian age.

The area displays good examples of beach platforms including the present wave cut platform in the intertidal zone. An older beach platform occurs just above the present beach and extends back to an old cliff line. Deposited on this older platform are raised beach deposits which consist of beach sand and cobbles mixed with rock debris, known locally as ‘head’, deposited as a result of rock movement during the Ice Age.

Facilities:
Parking is available at a National Trust car park at Prawle Point, Lannacombe Beach (very limited parking) and Start Point (parking at an Estate car park, with a toll to be paid).