From April to October the Society
organises a number of excursions to sites of geological interest, where each trip is led by someone with
a special knowledge of the locality. They are both informative and enjoyable
and have proved to be a highly popular part of the Society's activities.
There
are Saturday and evening excursions (see below), and a weekend
and a week-long excursion each year - see the Week
and Weekend Excursions page. Members
are welcome to bring guests along to the excursions. For details about transport,
costs, meeting times and places, booking, safety and excursion guides, see the
general information page.
SUMMER PROGRAMME 2010
For
general details, including how to book, please see the general
information page. Follow the links below for more information about each event.
|
Date | Excursion |
LABRIGS |
| Sat 24 Apr |
Dob's Linn, Euan Clarkson (joint with Geol Soc Glasgow) |
|
| Wed 12 May |
Leadburn and Noble House, Brian Upton |
|
| 15-22 May |
Long Excursion: Anglesey | |
| Wed 26 May | Cockenzie
Shore, David McAdam | |
| Sat 29 May | |
Biodiversity Day, Newbattle Abbey |
| Sat 5 June | Berwick
upon Tweed, Stuart Monro | |
| Wed 9 June | Stockbridge
to Dean Bridge, Angus Miller | |
| Sat 19 June | Cove-Pease
Bay, Mike Browne | |
| Wed 23 June | Calton
Hill, Cliff Porteous | |
| 3-4 July | Weekend
Excursion: Ayrshire | |
| Wed 7 July | Building
Stones of South Edinburgh, Andrew McMillan | |
| Wed 21 July | Princes
Street Gardens & the Grassmarket, Colin Macfadyen |
|
| Sat 21 August |
Dumyat, Con Gillen | |
| Sun 5 Sept | |
Barns Ness Open Day |
| Sat 11 Sept | Kirkcaldy,
Rosalind Garton | |
|
Sat 25 Sept | British
Geological Survey Open Day |
| Sat
2 Oct | Comrie, Brian Upton |
|
Saturday Excursions
Saturday
24th April DOBS LINN
Leader: Professor Euan Clarkson (University of Edinburgh)
Joint
excursion with the Geological Society of Glasgow
On this excursion we set
out to examine the graptolite-bearing Upper Ordovician to Lower Silurian shales
exposed in the Linn, together with intercalated metabentonites, and evidence for
late Ordovician global cooling and glaciation, the Ordovician/Silurian boundary
stratotype and the onset of turbidite sedimentation. Hammering of the rock faces
at this classic locality is forbidden but graptolites can be collected from the
scree.
Starting from the lay-by 500m south of Birkhill cottage [NT 1965
1550] we shall walk less than 1km in total. The ground is uneven, with some short,
steep slopes and sharp-edged shales underfoot. A burn has to be crossed: if it
is impassable, an alternative site will be chosen. Hard hats are required: bring
one, and a high-viz vest if you have one. Dogs may NOT be brought on this excursion.
The
coach will leave Waterloo Place at 9.00am prompt with an extra pick-up point at
Fairmilehead. Travelling via Peebles, Innerleithen, Mountbenger, St Marys
Loch and Birkhill, the Edinburgh party will stop en route at NT 314 312, on the
B709 between Innerleithen and Mountbenger, to admire superb turbidite sole markings.
High tea is being arranged in Moffat. We return to Edinburgh by about 6.30pm.
References
Clarkson E.N.K. & Taylor,B. 1992. Dobs Linn, Moffat, pp.159-172, in
McAdam, A.D., Clarkson, E.N.K., & Stone, P. (editors). Scottish Borders Geology:
an excursion guide. Scottish Academic Press.
Euan Clarkson & Brian Upton,
2009. Death of an Ocean, A
Geological Border Ballad. Dunedin Press. 210pp.
ISBN
97819067 16028
Williams, S.H. & Lawson, J.D. 1992. Dobs Linn,
pp440
462, in Lawson, J.D. & Weedon, D.S.
Geological Excursions around
Glasgow and Girvan.
Geological Society of Glasgow.
Webb, B.C., Rushton,
A.W.A. & White, D.E. 1993
Classical Areas of British Geology: Moffatdale
and the
Upper Ettrick valley. HMSO for British Geological Survey.
Maps
OS 1:50 000 Sheet 79 Hawick & Eskdale
BGS 1:50 000 Sheet Moffat W
BGS
1:25 000 Series Moffatdale (incorporating parts of Sheets NT 10, 11, 20 &21)
with booklet, Classic Areas of British Geology Series 1991.
Saturday 5th June SEDIMENTATION AND TECTONICS AT SCREMERSTON, NORTHUMBERLAND
Leader:
Professor Stuart K. Monro (Our Dynamic Earth)
On this excursion we will
look at some well-exposed Carboniferous cycles with the opportunity for some graphic
logging; so bring a clipboard, pencil and tape measure if you have them. We will
then move on to examine the tectonic structures that have been formed in this
area.
Walking will begin with a steep descent to Cocklawburn Beach, followed
by about 1km of rocky foreshore which is uneven and may be slippery. Hard hats
are required: extras will be available but bring one if you have it. Dogs may
be brought on this excursion.
The coach will leave Waterloo Place at 9.00am
prompt and make an extra pick-up, if required, at Milton Road. It will then travel
to Berwick-upon-Tweed (toilet stop) via the A1, and then on to the first locality,
Cargies Plantation [NU 019 498]. We return to Edinburgh by about 6.00pm.
Reference
Scrutton, C. (editor), 2005. Northumbrian Rocks and Landscape: A Field Guide (Yorkshire
Geological Society)
Maps OS Landranger 75 Berwick-upon-Tweed
BGS 1:50 000
Sheet 1/2 Berwick-upon-Tweed and Norham
Saturday
19th June COVE AND PEASE BAY
Leader: Mike Browne (LABRIGS)
The purpose
of this circular walk between Cove Harbour and Pease Bay via beaches and the Southern
Upland Way is to examine: (a) Upper Devonian fluvial (and aeolian) sedimentary
rocks of the Stratheden Group (Greenheugh Sandstone and Redheugh Mudstone Formations);
and (b) fluvial to marine deltaic Lower Carboniferous of the Inverclyde (Kinnesswood
and Ballagan Formations) and Strathclyde Groups (Gullane and Aberlady Formations).
We will also observe landslides and coastal geomorphology, including a stack with
arch. The group will consider how the geology seen can be represented and access
safely encouraged in a RIGS-type leaflet.
Walking distance about 6km on
both sandy and rocky/bouldery beaches backed by cliffs: bring a hard hat if you
wish to walk close to the latter. Be prepared for narrow, grassy, slippery stretches
on the Southern Upland Way. Dogs may NOT be brought on this excursion.
The
coach will leave Waterloo Place at 9.00am prompt, with an extra pick-up point
at Milton Road, travelling via the A1 and reaching Pease Bay at 10am. The first
locality will be Greenheugh Point [NT 7990 7095]. We will be back in Edinburgh
by about 6.00pm.
References Lothian Geology - an Excursion Guide (Edinburgh
Geological Society)
Scottish Borders Geology - an Excursion Guide (Scottish
Academic Press)
East Lothian and the Borders - a landscape fashioned by geology
(SNH & BGS)
Browne, M A E, Dean, M T, Hall, I H S, McAdam, A D, Monro,
S K, and Chisholm, J I. 1999. A lithostratigraphical framework for the Carboniferous
rocks of the Midland Valley of Scotland. British Geological Survey Research Report
RR/99/07.
Browne, M A E, Smith, R A, and Aitken, A M. 2002. Stratigraphical
framework for the Devonian old red sandstone rocks of Scotland south of a line
from Fort William to Aberdeen. British Geological Survey Research Report RR/01/04.
Barclay,
W.J., Browne, M.A.E., McMillan, A.A., Pickett, E.A., Stone, P. and Wilby, P.R.
2005. The Old Red Sandstone of Great Britain, Siccar Point to Hawks Heugh,
pp 181-187
Maps OS 1:50 000 sheet 67
BGS 34W Eyemouth
Saturday 21st August BRIDGE OF ALLAN, DUMYEY AND OCHIL HILLS
Leader:
Dr Con Gillen (University of Edinburgh)
The aim of this excursion is to
study the Ochil Volcanic Formation (Lower Devonian) of the Ochil Hills, and associated
sills and mineralization; the sandstones of the Sheriffmuir Formation; and the
landscape and scenery of the Ochils and Forth Valley.
The first locality
is Wolf's Hole quarry (disused), Bridge of Allan (Ferniebank Brae/Glen Road) [NS
7893 9801]. The route followed after that is: Mine Wood trail, Bridge of Allan
Pendriech Road Airthrey Castle (Stirling University) Sherriffmuir
Dumyat Menstrie Glen (time permitting). The total walking distance
will be 810km along paths, with some steep and/or muddy stretches, and a
50m boggy patch. Dumyat summit is exposed, with slopes that are slippery if wet.
The descent (time permitting) into Menstrie Glen is steep. Good strong footwear
is essential. Dogs may NOT be brought on this excursion.
The coach will
leave Waterloo Place at 9.00am prompt, making an extra pick-up at PC World at
South Gyle if required, and then taking the M9 to Stirling, then Bridge of Allan.
We will arrive back in Edinburgh by about 6.00pm.
References Loch Lomond
to Stirling a Landscape Fashioned by Geology SNH/BGS.
Notes from the
forthcoming EGS Guide to Stirling Geology will be handed out on the day.
Maps
OS 1:50 000 sheet 57 Stirling, 58 Perth & Kinross
BGS 39W Stirling, 39E
Alloa
Saturday 11th September SEAFIELD TO KIRKCALDY
Leader:
Rosalind Garton (University of St Andrews)
The excursion route will follow
the Carboniferous exposures beside the Fife Coastal Path section between Seafield
Tower and Kirkcaldy. Sediments of the Lower Limestone Formation include the Seafield
Tower Limestone with abundant invertebrate fossils, including crinoid stems whose
positions may indicate the living density of distribution of the animals. Plant
fossils will also be seen, as will an excellent exposure of sill-sediment contacts
with bleached basalt. The Kinniny Limestones are also fossiliferous, and the Middle
Kinniny bed is conspicuous for the occurrences of several small thrust structures.
The
coach will leave Waterloo Place at 9.00am prompt, making extra pick-ups if required
at Blackhall, Barnton and the north end of the Forth Road Bridge, before taking
the A92 to Kirkcaldy. The first locality is the lorry park at the south end of
Kirkcaldy Esplanade [NT 279 903]. From there we walk on coastal path and easily
accessible rocky beaches to Seafield Tower and back, a distance of about 4km in
total. Back in Edinburgh by about 5.30pm.
References Fife & Angus Geology
- an Excursion Guide (Pentland Press)
Fife & Tayside - a landscape fashioned
by geology (Scottish Natural Heritage and BGS)
Maps OS 1:50 000 Sheets 59 &
66
BGS Sheet 40E
Saturday 2nd October COMRIE
Leader:
Professor Brian Upton (University of Edinburgh)
The aim of this excursion
is to examine the Comrie diorite and its metamorphic aureole in the Dalradian,
and a late Carboniferous E-W-trending quartz-dolerite dyke to the south of Comrie.
The first locality will be in Glen Lednock to the north of Comrie and total walking
distance will be 2-3 km on rough but gently inclined hillsides.
Transport
will be either by private car or minibus (yet to be decided) and from Edinburgh
we will travel via Dunblane and Crieff. We aim to be back in Edinburgh by 7pm.
Once
the details of this excursion have been finalised they will be circulated via
the EGS e-mail list and sent to all who express an interest in attending.
References
Excursion 4 in MacGregor, A.R. 1996. Fife and Angus: an Excursion Guide, 3rd edition.
Pentland Press.
Maps OS 1:50 000 Sheet 52
BGS One-inch sheet 47
Wednesday
Evening Excursions
Wednesday 12th May LEADBURN
AND NOBLE HOUSE
Leader: Professor Brian Upton (University of Edinburgh)
This
visit to Leadburn is to examine facies in the Ordovician turbidites close to the
Southern Uplands Fault while at Noble House we will examine Ordovician pillow-lavas
and bedded cherts.
Meet at 7.00pm in Penicuik, in the main public car park
(opposite Lidl), from where we will go by private cars to the first locality [NT236
544] just south of the Leadburn crossroads (where high-viz jackets will be desirable).
Here we examine a disused, overgrown quarry (beware sheer drops): total walking
distance will be less than 500m. Then we go to Noble House about 7.5km further
SW down the A701 where we visit a small disused quarry: total walking distance
of about 700m. Return to Edinburgh by about 9.30pm. Dogs may NOT be brought on
this excursion.
Reference (For Noble House) Craig, G.Y. and Duff, P. McL.
D. eds. The geology of the Lothians and South East Scotland: An Excursion Guide.
Scottish Academic Press, Edinburgh. Noble House, Lamancha by A. Lamont, pp 158-166.
Maps 24WOS 1:50 000 Sheet 66 Edinburgh
BGS 1:50 000 Sheets 24W Biggar and
24E Peebles
Wednesday 26th May COCKENZIE SHORE
Leader:
David McAdam (LABRIGS Volunteer Group)
The excursion will take us along
the shore to the east end of Cockenzie and back again, looking at the Upper Carboniferous
sedimentary sequence and a fine dyke. Walking distance is about 4km along the
John Muir Way footpath and onto sand, shingle and rocky shore in places.
Meet
at the shore car park at the north-east end of Prestonpans [NT 391 750] (public
transport by Lothian 26 bus). Dogs may be brought on this excursion.
References
Edinburgh & West Lothian - a landscape fashioned by geology (SNH and BGS)
East
Lothian and the Borders - a landscape fashioned by geology (SNH & BGS)
Maps
OS 66 Edinburgh, Penicuik and North Berwick
BGS 1: 50 000 33W Haddington (solid)
Wednesday
9th June STOCKBRIDGE TO DEAN BRIDGE
Leader: Dr Angus Miller (LABRIGS Volunteer
Group)
This walk will explore one of the new Local Geodiversity Sites currently
being considered by Lothian and Borders RIGS. The spectacular gorge of the Water
of Leith was cut by post-glacial meltwaters into bedrock and is one of the few
places in this part of Edinburgh where natural bedrock exposures are found. These
include sandstone and basalt dykes in the river bed and a cliff of shale beneath
the Dean Bridge. The route takes us along Dean Terrace, over the Water of Leith
and along the Water of Leith path on the south-east bank, passing St Bernard's
Well and St George's Well to the Dean Bridge. On reaching our final stop at the
ornamental mill wheels at Miller Row we will retrace our steps to the starting
point.
Meet at 7.00pm in Stockbridge, at the northern end of the bridge
over the Water of Leith (junction of Dean Terrace with Deanhaugh Street) [NT245745].
Dogs may be brought on this excursion.
References Lothian Geology
An Excursion Guide (1986), page 49, The Dean
Maps OS 1:50 000 Sheet 66 or
1:25 000 Explorer 350
BGS 1:50 000 Sheet 32 (E) Edinburgh or Edinburgh District
1:25 000 Special Sheet
Wednesday 23rd June CALTON
HILL AND STONES OF SCOTLAND
Leader: Cliff Porteous (LABRIGS Volunteer Group)
The
excursion will be an exploration of some of the history and heritage of the Calton
Hill area combined with a look at the local geological features and the Stones
of Scotland sculpture. From the starting point we will climb up to the summit,
descend to Regent Road and, heading towards Abbeyhill, visit the Stones of Scotland
in Regent Road Park. Walking distance is about 2km of generally easy going with
steps and some uneven ground and paths.
Meet at 7.00pm at the steps at
the entrance to Calton Hill, at the east end of Waterloo Place [NT262 742]. Dogs
may NOT be brought on this excursion.
References LABRIGS leaflet Calton
Hill Geological Walk
Lothian Geology an Excursion Guide (Edinburgh Geological
Society)
Maps OS 1:50 000 Sheet 66
BGS 1:50 000 Sheet 32 (E) Edinburgh
Wednesday
7th July BUILDING STONES OF SOUTH EDINBURGH
Leader: Andrew McMillan (LABRIGS
Volunteer Group)
This circuit from George Square via George IV Bridge,
High Street and South Bridge will comprise a discussion of Edinburghs local
geology and landscape, together with an examination of the building stones used
locally from the 16th century onwards. Walking distance is about 3km on street
pavements. NB we shall be crossing busy roads; so high-viz vests will be desirable
but not essential.
Meet at 7.00pm at the north-east corner of George Square.
Dogs may NOT be brought on this excursion.
References Building Stones of
Edinburgh, 2nd edition (EGS)
The Buildings of Scotland: Edinburgh (Yale University
Press and Buildings of Scotland Trust)
Maps OS 1: 50 000 sheet 66
BGS 1:50
000 Sheet 32 (E) Edinburgh
Wednesday 21st July
PRINCES STREET GARDENS & THE GRASSMARKET
Leader: Colin MacFadyen (Scottish
Natural Heritage)
This excursion will provide an insight into the geology
and geomorphology of the Castle Rock and surrounding area, with a particular emphasis
on geoconservation issues and geological interpretation. Walking westwards through
the Gardens, we will cross the bridge over the railway line, take the path below
Castle Rock and then proceed along Johnston Terrace. We then take the steps by
Grannys Green to the Grassmarket, where the excursion ends. Walking distance
is about 1.5 km on good paths and pavements. High-viz vests optional.
Meet
at 7.00pm at the entry to West Princes Street Gardens at the Floral Clock, located
at the bottom of The Mound, opposite the Royal Scottish Academy. Dogs may NOT
be brought on this excursion.
References Lothian Geology - an Excursion
Guide (Edinburgh Geological Society)
Maps OS 1: 50 000 sheet 66
BGS 1:50
000 Sheet 32 (E) Edinburgh
Geological Society of Glasgow Excursions
Members are welcome to attend excursions organised
by the Geological Society of Glasgow where spaces are available.
Further details from their web site. Members
are reminded they are eligible to join the Glasgow Society as Associate Members.
For details about excursions
in your own area, contact your local geological society.