Geology: Rocks and glacial history of Mid-Borrowdale

Session content:

An introduction to the geology of mountains in the Lake District on a one-day field event designed for walking leaders and instructors. No previous knowledge of geology needed. A great opportunity to explore and identify the geological features in the area and to find out how they were formed and learn about the glaciated landscapes of the area. This workshop is open to all with an interest in Geology and would suit all walking leaders.

will look at the earliest rocks of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, possibly some of the underlying Skiddaw Group and the effect of glaciation on the Borrowdale Derwentwater landscape.  I also hope to incorporate scenic viewpoints, such as Ashness Bridge. Participants should gain some understanding of how the landscape has been shaped by forces in the past which should be applicable to other areas in the UK

The day will look at the reasons behind the current shape of the landscape. This is the much more recent story of the Ice age shaping the volcanic rocks into the crags, fells and valleys we see today and for which the Lake District is justly famous.

Learning outcomes:

1. A broad knowledge of the hard rock types of Borrowdale.
2. Some understanding of the geological processes that took place resulting in the formation of these rocks using the geological principle that the “present day is the key to the past.”
3. An understanding of the current landscape will through careful, structured teaching of Ice age processes using local landforms to demonstrate these processes.
4. Participants should gain basic interpretive skills which will enable you to see the landscape with informed eyes and apply these skills elsewhere in the Lake District.

Participants will be encouraged to explore and develop their understanding through direct and immediate contact with the environment. i.e. get your hands dirty!

A day course booklet will be provided, with base maps and routes.

A contextual booklet will be provided given background information and a glossary of terms at the end of the session.

Please bring: 

• Notebook or e-notes,

• camera,

• mobile phone,

• OS Map for area OL4  First-aid kits.

  Must be equipped for rain and cold – we may stop at sites for up to 10 mins. Walking boots essential. PLUS plenty of food & drink. (Shops/outlets may be closed or time restricted)

Workshop provider credentials

Stephen Mott has been involved in teaching and education advisory work for over 30 years. He graduated from Durham University (Hatfield College) with a degree in geological sciences and the Main Prize for fieldwork in 1979. For some years, he taught the subject and physical geography to A level. He has continued to keep up-to-date with advances in earth sciences and has regularly led geology and wildlife walks over the years. He has taught two successful courses for the Cumbria CC Adult-education department at Shap CDC on Rocks and landscapes of Eastern Cumbria.

Start

20/11/2022 09:30

End

20/11/2022 16:15

Total Days

1

Maximum Bookings

10

Bookings

7

Venue

Blencathra Field Studies Centre

Town

Keswick

County

Cumbria

Postcode

CA12 5RD

Country

United Kingdom

Latitude

54.60143

Longitude

-3.15943

Name

Mountain Training Association

Phone

01690 720272

Email