Rock pools and rock formations: explore Bude’s fascinating beaches

When the tide goes out on Bude’s wonderful beaches it leaves long stretches of golden sand that are ideal for an autumn walk. But head back towards the shore and you’ll find some equally fascinating things to explore – rock pools full of sand hoppers, limpets, shore crabs, anemones and, with luck, our very rare ‘Cornish Sea Slug’ . 

Then look up from the rock pools and seaweed and you’ll see the fascinating folded and faulted rocks that form the structure of our eroded cliffs.

The so called “Bude Formation” has been popular with geologists, locals and curious holidaymakers for generations. The rocks were formed by layers of mud and sand deposited in a giant tropical “Lake Bude” 300 million years ago before dinosaurs existed. These layers were then squeezed and folded when the moving land masses of Britain and France collided. The result was the formation of a Cornish mountain range – and the surrounding area is now one of the most fascinating geological areas in Cornwall.

As well as some spectacular rock formations, fossilized remains have also been found that show life forms from an era when and Bude’s climate was similar to modern Africa! Bude even has its own unique fossilised fish species (a toothy, goldfish-sized creature called Cornuboniscus budensis found nowhere else in the world.

The Bude Tourist Information Centre has more information and literature on local Cornwall geology. You can also book a captivating walk with our friendly local expert Dr. Roger Higgs  who brings the subject to life in a really fun and informative style. The two hour Bude Geological Walks are offered all year, currently on Thursday afternoons at 2pm. Tickets are £15 for adults (16 and older); £8 children (7-15). Advance booking is required. Private walks at other times can be arranged for 1-25 people.

We promise you’ll never look at Bude’s cliffs in quite the same way again!