The Spittles

Cliff, Slope in Dorset

England

The Spittles

The centre of Lyme Regis The road closure ahead must have caused considerable disruption. The relative calm makes me think that there were several diversions in place, perhaps some distance from the centre.
The centre of Lyme Regis Credit: David Purchase

The Spittles, located in Dorset, England, is a picturesque cliff and slope area that is renowned for its natural beauty and stunning views. Situated along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this geological marvel attracts tourists, nature enthusiasts, and geologists alike.

The cliff face at The Spittles is composed of layers of sedimentary rock, which provide valuable insights into the Earth's history. Fossilized remains, including ammonites and belemnites, can often be found embedded within the rocks, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric world. As erosion continues to shape the cliffs, new discoveries are regularly unearthed.

The slope at The Spittles is covered in lush vegetation, creating a vibrant and diverse ecosystem. Various plant species, such as wildflowers and grasses, flourish here, providing a habitat for numerous insects, birds, and small mammals. The colorful display of flora, particularly during the spring and summer months, adds to the area's charm and allure.

Visitors to The Spittles can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the English Channel and the surrounding countryside. The cliff's elevated position allows for unobstructed vistas, making it an ideal spot for photographers, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Access to The Spittles is generally safe, but caution should be exercised when exploring the cliff and slope areas due to potential hazards such as loose rocks and steep inclines. Visitors are advised to adhere to any safety guidelines and respect the natural environment.

In summary, The Spittles in Dorset offers a captivating blend of geological wonders, rich biodiversity, and awe-inspiring landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts.

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The Spittles Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.732521/-2.9225149 or Grid Reference SY3492. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The centre of Lyme Regis The road closure ahead must have caused considerable disruption. The relative calm makes me think that there were several diversions in place, perhaps some distance from the centre.
The centre of Lyme Regis
The road closure ahead must have caused considerable disruption. The relative calm makes me think that there were several diversions in place, perhaps some distance from the centre.
Broad Street, Lyme Regis This stretch of the A3052 is the main shopping street of the town. When I visited regularly in the late 1960s I often had a drink with some local residents in the Three Cups Hotel, on the left.
Broad Street, Lyme Regis
This stretch of the A3052 is the main shopping street of the town. When I visited regularly in the late 1960s I often had a drink with some local residents in the Three Cups Hotel, on the left.
The Cobb, Lyme Regis, at low tide There is much activity here with small craft - but only at high tide!
The Cobb, Lyme Regis, at low tide
There is much activity here with small craft - but only at high tide!
Lyme Regis from The Cobb The tide was pretty low at the time!
Lyme Regis from The Cobb
The tide was pretty low at the time!
The Cobb at Lyme Regis The Cobb can be quite an active harbour for small craft, but at low tide (as here) it is a few owners visiting with supplies or for minor maintenance.
The Cobb at Lyme Regis
The Cobb can be quite an active harbour for small craft, but at low tide (as here) it is a few owners visiting with supplies or for minor maintenance.
The Cobb at low tide Just a few craft waiting for a future high tide.
The Cobb at low tide
Just a few craft waiting for a future high tide.
Sunrise over Lyme Bay The sun, just behind the clouds, is reflected in the still waters of Lyme Bay. The camera is in Lyme Regis and about 75m above sea level, and so shows clearly the several promonteries in the bay. Most conspicuous is Golden Cap, <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SY4092">SY4092</a>, whose flat top just touches the cloud.
Sunrise over Lyme Bay
The sun, just behind the clouds, is reflected in the still waters of Lyme Bay. The camera is in Lyme Regis and about 75m above sea level, and so shows clearly the several promonteries in the bay. Most conspicuous is Golden Cap, SY4092, whose flat top just touches the cloud.
The Cobb, Lyme Regis Seen from the South West Coast Path as it leaves Lyme Regis for Seaton. Unlike most of my photos of the Cobb, here the tide is well in.
The Cobb, Lyme Regis
Seen from the South West Coast Path as it leaves Lyme Regis for Seaton. Unlike most of my photos of the Cobb, here the tide is well in.
In a twist A  fine length of rope is neatly coiled on the harbour quay on The Cobb at Lyme Regis, awaiting use by the next vessel to berth.
Spanish Eyes III (E509) is a potter, built in 2001.
In a twist
A fine length of rope is neatly coiled on the harbour quay on The Cobb at Lyme Regis, awaiting use by the next vessel to berth. Spanish Eyes III (E509) is a potter, built in 2001.
The lower slope of Black Ven - Charmouth The cliff face is black except for the topsoil and made up of layer upon layer of soft mud, silt and clay pressed together over millions of years.  Landslides are frequent with the sea washing the silt away from them and exposing fossils which have been captured within.  The landslide of 1958/9 was the largest coastal landslide in Europe.
The lower slope of Black Ven - Charmouth
The cliff face is black except for the topsoil and made up of layer upon layer of soft mud, silt and clay pressed together over millions of years. Landslides are frequent with the sea washing the silt away from them and exposing fossils which have been captured within. The landslide of 1958/9 was the largest coastal landslide in Europe.
Boulders on the beach - Charmouth The boulders are lying on the solidified smooth black debris from the landslides of Black Ven (left).  In the distance in another grid square is Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast of England.

In circa 833 the Danes arrived in 35 ships and with thousands of men. They landed on this beach and a savage battle followed with the local inhabitants.

Mary Anning was also another visitor in much later times and discovered the fossilised Ichthyosaur in these cliffs somewhere between Charmouth and Lyme Regis.
Boulders on the beach - Charmouth
The boulders are lying on the solidified smooth black debris from the landslides of Black Ven (left). In the distance in another grid square is Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast of England. In circa 833 the Danes arrived in 35 ships and with thousands of men. They landed on this beach and a savage battle followed with the local inhabitants. Mary Anning was also another visitor in much later times and discovered the fossilised Ichthyosaur in these cliffs somewhere between Charmouth and Lyme Regis.
Lower end of Broad Street - Lyme Regis The road turns left at the bottom into Church Street.  The town was very very crowded.  In the distance over Lyme Bay one can see Golden Cap, the highest point on the South West coast and the coastline stretching towards West Bay and Burton Bradstock and other coves on the Jurassic Coast.
Lower end of Broad Street - Lyme Regis
The road turns left at the bottom into Church Street. The town was very very crowded. In the distance over Lyme Bay one can see Golden Cap, the highest point on the South West coast and the coastline stretching towards West Bay and Burton Bradstock and other coves on the Jurassic Coast.
Riverside walk - Lyme Regis Not far from where one takes up the River Lim walk again from Coombe Street, there is a large handsome house which looks as if it may have originally been a commercial building such as some sort of mill
Riverside walk - Lyme Regis
Not far from where one takes up the River Lim walk again from Coombe Street, there is a large handsome house which looks as if it may have originally been a commercial building such as some sort of mill
The Ford, River Lim - Lyme Regis This ford is supposed to be the longest in the country.  It is situated near Jordan Flats.
The Ford, River Lim - Lyme Regis
This ford is supposed to be the longest in the country. It is situated near Jordan Flats.
Mill Green - Lyme Regis Prettily painted terraced houses winding up the hill from the river.
Mill Green - Lyme Regis
Prettily painted terraced houses winding up the hill from the river.
Monmouth Street, Lyme Regis - looking East Monmouth Street, Lyme Regis looking East towards the Church of St Michael the Archangel.
Monmouth Street, Lyme Regis - looking East
Monmouth Street, Lyme Regis looking East towards the Church of St Michael the Archangel.
Pastel beach huts Pretty beach huts line Cart Road in Lyme Regis, overlooking Lyme Bay.
The huts are available to rent via The Town Council, costing from £4.00 per day (low season) up to £1,700.00 for an annual pass (2022 rates).
Pastel beach huts
Pretty beach huts line Cart Road in Lyme Regis, overlooking Lyme Bay. The huts are available to rent via The Town Council, costing from £4.00 per day (low season) up to £1,700.00 for an annual pass (2022 rates).
Steam drifter Lydia Eva visits Lyme Regis YH89 Lydia Eva is in the harbour, by The Cobb in Lyme Regis, along with a film crew who were setting up for an evening filming session. The film being made is 'Wonka', a musical about the young Willy Wonka. It will star Timothee Chalamet, Olivia Coleman, Jim Carter, Matt Lucas and many others. It is due for release in 2023.
The Lydia Eva is the last surviving steam drifter from the herring fishing fleet based in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.
Steam drifter Lydia Eva visits Lyme Regis
YH89 Lydia Eva is in the harbour, by The Cobb in Lyme Regis, along with a film crew who were setting up for an evening filming session. The film being made is 'Wonka', a musical about the young Willy Wonka. It will star Timothee Chalamet, Olivia Coleman, Jim Carter, Matt Lucas and many others. It is due for release in 2023. The Lydia Eva is the last surviving steam drifter from the herring fishing fleet based in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.
Show me another place!

The Spittles is located at Grid Ref: SY3492 (Lat: 50.732521, Lng: -2.9225149)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///elevates.bandage.petted. Near Lyme Regis, Dorset

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.732521,-2.9225149
Barrier: entrance
Lat/Long: 50.7328562/-2.9290372
Barrier: entrance
Lat/Long: 50.7344069/-2.928167
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 50.7346803/-2.9270649
Barrier: block
Lat/Long: 50.7365905/-2.9202684
Access: no
Barrier: block
Lat/Long: 50.7367116/-2.9245323
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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