Coombe Crag Gorge

The purpose of this excursion is to examine the regional geology and the sedimentology of the Leahill Cyclothem, a minor Yoredale Group cyclothem, and the picturesque, postglacial incised Coombe Crag Gorge, near Brampton. Full details of the excursion will be published in the new Geologists’ Association guide to Cumbria. The excursion is a 6 km walk on waymarked public paths, with 200m of ascent and descent, and will take about 4 hours. The paths can be muddy when wet, there are sections through woodland with exposed tree roots and paths along the sides of a steep river gorge. One section has steep drops on both sides and may be difficult for vertigo sufferers, although this can be bypassed if needed. Boots or stout walking shoes should be worn. A packed lunch is recommended.

We will see:

– a short section of Hadrian’s Wall and a Roman Quarry

– a cyclothem succession of fossiliferous marine limestone, offshore mud, and a prograding delta.

– channel sandstones and overbank deposits

– a gorge carved by glacial meltwater with an incised meander