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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.

Saturday Excursions

Saturday 24th April DOB’S 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 Mary’s 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. Dob’s 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. Dob’s 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, Cargie’s 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 Hawk’s 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 8–10km 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 Edinburgh’s 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 Granny’s 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.

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