NEW Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast

The cliffs of this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site hold thousands of fossils from marine reptiles that swam in Jurassic seas around 200 million years ago. You might have explored Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door before – and while they’re undeniably iconic landmarks – the best places to discover fossils lie further along this ancient coastline. And that’s exactly where we’re heading this weekend – to the UK’s fossil capital, Lyme Regis! Winter offers the ideal conditions for fossil hunting, with stormy seas and seasonal rainfall exposing new fossils along the coastline.

We’ll start the day with a walk to the spectacular Ammonite Pavement on Monmouth Beach. Here, the remains of thousands of ammonites – the ancient spiral-shelled sea creatures 🌀 – are beautifully embedded in the limestone ledge, revealed at low tide. According to the Natural History Museum, this remarkable fossil ledge is the only one of its kind in the world – nowhere else features so many large ammonites, some reaching up to 70 centimetres in diameter! And it’s not just the big fossils you’ll see! With a bit of patience and luck, you’ll also have the chance to find smaller treasures to take home – including ammonite, belemnite and crinoid fossils scattered along the shore. Afterwards, we’ll head for lunch at one of the charming cafés by the 13th-century harbour, known as The Cobb.

Finally, to round off the day, we’ll take a 3-kilometre hike to climb Golden Cap – the highest point on the south coast of England, rising to 191 metres. It gets its colour (and name) from the warm yellow sandstone at the top of the cliff. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Jurassic Coast in both directions – a truly unforgettable finale to our prehistoric adventure!

DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT

This trip is suitable for beginners. Please wear sturdy footwear (hiking boots), as the beach surface is primarily shingle, pebbles and large rocks.

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)

08:00 Sharp departure

11:30-14:15 Walk to the Ammonite Pavement on Monmouth Beach and fossil hunting

14:15-15:15 Free time for lunch and to explore fossil and souvenir shops in Lyme Regis (recommended: The Lyme Fossil Shop, The Old Forge Fossil Shop)

15:30-16:30 Hike to Golden Cap (191m) - the highest point on the south coast of England (difficulty: Easy, distance: 3km, ascent: 100m)

16:30 Departure

20:00 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

SAFETY

This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.

THE PRICE INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please email us at [email protected] We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch (optional)
• Walking poles (optional)

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