30 June 2021
Introduction to the geology of Hadrian’s Wall; the rocks of the upper Carboniferous between Tynemouth and Seaton Sluice.
Please read all of the below information including the COVID information before registering for this event.
We meet in the grassy area north of Prior’s Haven (by Pier Road), under Tynemouth priory just before the entrance to the North Pier at Tynemouth.
Aim:
This field excursion is an opportunity to see what the rocks that were used to make Hadrian’s Wall look like in their original pre-Roman setting. Across much of the length of the Wall the rocks are obscured by glacial material, soil and buildings, so one of the best places to explore the rocks is on the coast. Here on the coast between Tynemouth and Seaton Sluice we can explore rocks from the youngest part of the Carboniferous Period that underly the eastern part of the Wall between Wallsend and Heddon-on-the-Wall.
We will visit several locations on the coast to introduce different rock types, how they vary and how they relate to each other. This will be used as a way of looking at the evidence for what it was like when the rocks were being laid down and will give a good starting place to help understand how to identify rocks on Hadrian’s Wall. This is highly recommended as a way of getting to know the stones.
In summary we will be:
• Exploring the geology and landscape
• Learning how to recognise and categorise rocks
• Learning how to read the landscape
• Learning how to use geological maps
Logistics:
We start at the grassy area north of Prior’s Haven (by Pier Road), under Tynemouth priory just before the entrance to the North Pier at Tynemouth where we will gather at a distance. From here we will walk to the base of the pier. There is free parking available on the right-hand side of Pier Road opposite Prior’s Haven.
Volunteers will need to arrange their own transport between locations either by car or by bicycle.
We will travel to two further locations along the coast and will stop for picnic lunch probably around Table Rocks or arrival at St Mary’s, though the time spent at each location will vary
Cullercoats and Table Rocks: We meet on the beach immediately below St Georges church Cullercoats. There is parking in the car park immediately to the south of the church. From here will walk north along the beach to the point by the Smugglers Cave, then into Cullercoats Bay and finally on to Table Rocks at Brown Point. This section of the walk is about 2km.
St Mary’s North Car Park and Hartley Bay: We meet on the grassy area at the north western corner of the car park by St Mary’s. From here we will walk along the coast path and down the cliff steps to Hartley Bay. This section of the walk is about 2km with large numbers of steps to get to the beach.
COVID information: COVID-19 is a serious illness which is readily transmitted between people. To minimise the risk of passing on this disease during geo-walks, a process has been put in place. Whilst this gives a structure to manage the risk of transmission, for it to succeed there is a need for us to take individual responsibility to make this work. This is nothing new and I imagine you will already be doing this when you go out for shopping and other activities where you will be meeting people outside your own household. The three things that I would like us to do are:
- to be aware,
- to be considerate, and:
- to communicate.
To be aware of others around you so that you can negotiate how to remain distant from them
To be considerate. This is a difficult time, and we know that some people are more vulnerable than others. This includes the way that we feel about the situation and it is important to be aware of and respect others’ feelings and needs as we proceed.
To communicate. Humans are good at working out where we are physically in relation to others, however, to get the distancing sorted, using your awareness and consideration to communicate and negotiate your way around the walk is vital. Smiling, “you-go-firsts” and “I’ll leave the gate for you” amongst other considerations will oil the wheels of how this works, as well as making the day out more enjoyable.
Participants will be asked to perform a self-assessment of their health on the day of the walk. If they feel generally unwell and especially if they find that they have any of the currently recognised symptoms of COVID19, they will be asked to self-exclude from the walk and to let the leader know that they will not be attending.
The currently recognised symptoms of COVID19 illness can be found here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51048366
If participants find that they develop symptoms within 10 days after the walk please can you get in touch directly so that we can work as required with the government Track and Trace process.
Volunteer information:
- No previous experience required just come along and have a great morning out exploring rocks.
- Please bring your own hand gel and mask if you wish to wear one.
- Sturdy footwear is essential i.e. walking boots preferable but wellingtons ok – trainers not acceptable.
- Please bring appropriate clothing. You will need waterproofs if it is raining.
- Volunteers will need to arrange their own transport to the start point and between locations either by car or by bicycle.
- If you have a camera/phone please bring this with you so that you can record pictures of the rocks to remind yourself of what you have seen.
- Please bring your own water and picnic lunch.
Please make sure you’ve read all of the above event information before registering.