New Geowalk Locations!

I am pleased to announce several new fantastic locations for Cornwall Geowalks! You can now come with me to explore the amazing geology and landscapes around Praa Sands, Rinsey, Lizard Point, Kynance Cove, and Coverack.

Cornwall’s amazing breadth of geology even includes a fragment of oceanic crust! It is amazing to think that when walking the Lizard peninsula you can traverse the boundary between the Earth’s crust and mantle, and observe where tectonic plates once collided.

Praa Sands offers geological exposure that gives us a chance to study multiple chapters of Cornwall’s geological past. The rocks exposed include Devonian metamorphic rocks, with the Tregonning-Godolphin Granite exposed at the eastern end of the beach. On the western side of the beach is a rhyolite porphyry sheet, locally known as an elvan. In the middle of the beach there are superb exposures of Quaternary superficial sediments, including periglacial deposits, dune systems and peat beds. It is a stunning beach and a great surf spot too.

Rinsey is a beautiful spot that is one of Cornwall’s lesser-known gems and a great place for exploring fascinating geology. The Tregonning-Godolphin Granite crops out either side of a roof pendant of its host Devonian slates exposed in the foreshore. There is also a rich history of mining in the area. Remains of engine houses and evidence of other industrial archaeology inform us of a dynamic and protracted human interaction with the geology of the area.

Lizard Point is a must-stop for those who like to tick off geographic landmarks – it is the most southerly point of mainland Britain. Lizard Point isn’t only a geographic landmark, but a geological one too. These are the oldest rocks in Cornwall, around 500 million years old! Discover these rocks that experienced extreme pressures and temperatures on their journey to where we see them today.

Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most visited and photographed stretches of coast. Here you can see exquisite serpentinised peridotites that would have formed in the Earth’s mantle. Discover of the origins of this rock that the Lizard is most famous for - serpentinite. Learn about the processes that gave us this popular ornamental stone, and its other uses as a source of industrial minerals. You might also find the infamous soapstone used for making porcelain.

Taking a trip to Coverack is also a journey to the Earth’s mantle! As you walk along the beach, the bedrock beneath your feet transitions from the oceanic crust into the mantle. This transition zone is called the Mohorovičić Discontinuity, or Moho for short. It is a fantastic site to see these exotic rocks and learn of their dynamic geological journey.

Book your place now, by visiting https://www.cornwallgeologist.co.uk/guided-walks

Alternatively, you can book a personalised, private group walk for you and your family and friends! Simply contact me by email (sam@cornwallgeologist.co.uk) to find out more. You can pick the time and place, and is a great way to getting people together (and possibly a great idea for a gift!).