Dorset Series Earthcache (Durdle Door) EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

Bambography: Sadly the time has come to archive this popular Earthcache.

I’ve been meaning to do this for a while as the message board has been missing for a while but I’ve always hoped for a way to keep it going. However, on a recent trip I was unable to find a suitable replacement source of information.

Thank you to all the visitors to this cache - I hope that someone else is able to create a replacement Earthcache in this key location for the geography of this coast!

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Hidden : 9/11/2008
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

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NOTE: This is a cliff top location! Please take special care
and keep Children close to you and Dogs on a lead!!!
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Unfortunately due to the terrain this Earthcache may not be accessible to lone wheelchair users. With assistance (or good strength) it may be possible but does require a steep climb back up to the car park.

!!!! LANDSLIP WARNING !!!!
The South West Coast Path is currently either closed or diverted. You must follow all signs in the area and stay away from the cliff edge!
30th APRIL 2013
There has been a 'substantial' landslip between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. A large section of the cliff over St. Oswald's Bay has slipped taking the South West Coast path with it. All visitors should take extra care and follow all signs in the area.
Full report, photos and location map

8th APRIL 2013
There have been reports of Landslips near Durdle Door and it seems there are more unstable cliffs. The Coast Path and Beach between Durdle Door and West Nothe should probably be avoided and obey all signs in the area! Link to the BBC Report


Unfortunately due to the terrain this Earthcache may not be accessible to lone wheelchair users. With assistance (or good strength) it may be possible but does require a steep climb back up to the car park.
Durdle Door is a natural sea arch which has been formed in a band of rock which runs parallel to the coastline (known as a concordant coastline) and at this point is almost vertical.

Originally a band of hard Portland Stone and Purbeck Caps (limestone) from the Jurassic period which ran for miles along the shoreline. Faults in the rock have meant that a large amount of this band has been broken down, portions of which can be seen in neighbouring Man O'War Bay. The main part of what is left now forms the headland of Durdle Door and the entrance to Lulworth Cove 2 miles away. The main part of the headland is formed of the Purbeck limestone and can be seen on the landward side. The Portland stone, which is more resistant, faces south toward the sea and is more hardy against the storm waves. To the right as you look at the arch you will see 'Bull', another stump of Portland Stone which once formed part of the same wall of stone and may have been an arch at one time.

Behind this band of hard Portland limestone is a 120m mixed band of easily eroded rock, followed by the stronger chalk which now forms the cliffs you can see along the coast.

The small bit of weak clay which forms the steps down to the beach has been protected from the sea by the headland which forms the arch.

The arch itself has formed by the sea weakening the small faults in this headland and by eroding the softer rocks behind. Looking at the top of the arch (slightly to the left, Stomatolites in the limestone have encrusted Jurrasic trees which rotted away to leave obvious holes in the rock. One of the hole to the top of the arch forms a hollow tube allowing light though from the seaward side.

Logging Requirements To log this cache, you will need to locate the information board at the top of the steps and send me answers to the following questions:
1: What are the 5 TYPES of rock listed (not nicknames of specific rocks)?
2: What is the name and age of the trees mentioned?
3: What age of rocks can you see at Lulworth?
AND, as is customary, please post a photo of you and your GPS along with Durdle Door.

Please EMAIL all answers via my profile and log your find here. I will contact you to confirm answers but I will delete any logs for which I don’t receive answers or I believe to be false.
I DO NOT USE THE GEOCACHING MESSAGE SERVICE - PLEASE USE EMAIL!!

You do not have to go down the steps to the beach to claim this cache, however if you are able it does give a nice perspective to the location. The nearest parking is the cliff top car park which is Pay & Display all year.

You should also note that when purchasing a ticket at this car park it is also valid for the parking at Lulworth Cove visitors centre if you wish to combine your visits (& find more Earthcaches). Out of these dates a small car park is at the gates to the caravan park with a slightly longer walk to the cache

NOTE: Climbing onto the headland is not permitted and is very dangerous. Many people still feel the need to walk up but it is not safe and there are signs warning of damage to both the headland and the wildlife that live there. Please repect these signs.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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