Self-guided geowalk leaflets to download
We have published a range of self guided ‘geowalks’ which are presented here as PDF files to download : there are others in our publication “Footsteps through Time” (one shown here as an example). If you are following any of our trails please be sure to follow accepted codes on hammering [please don’t], collection of samples [only material already broken off] and general countryside codes [take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints]. Most of Anglesey is a protected site.
Fossil and sample collection
GeoMon UNESCO Global Geopark is signatory to the European Geoparks Network Charter which forbids the sale of fossils and mineral specimens by any of its partner organisations. Fossils are a limited resource, rock exposures are damaged permanently by hammering and collecting, though often there are pebbles on the beaches which can be collected as souvenirs.
The Geopark does not permit the sale of fossils by its partners nor does it promote the collection of fossils from within its boundaries, indeed their collection from many of the sites listed is forbidden by law. Follow the Countryside Code.
Countryside Code
- Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs
- Leave gates and property as you find them
- Protect plants and animals,
- Take your litter home
- Keep dogs under close control, especially where there are livestock grazing
- be considerate of other people
- take nothing but photographs and memories, leave nothing but footprints!
Geology Field work
please follow the Code for Geological Fieldwork as published by the Geological Society of London
Safety
Our geotrails follow public footpaths or open access land such as beaches. Nevertheless, you should consider the safety aspects of following any suggested route, such as dressing appropriately for the weather; wearing suitable footwear [some paths are steep and rocky, others can be wet , muddy and slippery] and taking care over rough ground. Rocky shores are notoriously slippy in wet conditions. Consult tide tables before venturing far from shore, for example Llanddwyn Island does get cut-off at high tide.
Geotrails
originally written by John Conway for the AONB magazine which is no longer available, these two page trails are reproduced here for free download :
A walk around the Breakwater Park and coast in Holyhead Breakwater Park Geotrail
Exploring the South stack area, geology, soils, botany, birds and humans from Neolithic settlement to Victorian lighthouse.
A walk around the coast from Cemaes to Wylfa and from Cemaes to Llanbadrig church
Explore the carboniferous geology along the northern side of Red Wharf Bay
Making a change, no rocks, but plenty of sediments, soils, sand dunes and coastal processes to see from Newborough Warren to Abermenai Point .
Take a walk along the beach from Newborough forest car park out to Landdwyn Island to explore the amazing geology there.
Starting on top of Bodafon mountain, then transfer down to Lligwy beach to explore the Devonian landscape with its Precambrian quartzite mountain and the rocks deposited during the Devonian period.
Explore the coastline from Aberffraw to Porth Cwyfan
From Porth Trecastell over the headland at Barclodiad y Gawres and along the coast to Rhosneigr
Wander around the headland at Penmon
No in-situ rocks, but plenty to find amongst the glacial deposits at Lleiniog on this trail towards Beaumaris
Explore the stunning esoteric landscape at Parys Mountain, once the biggest copper mine in the world, or visit Porth Amlwch from where the copper ore was exported to Swansea for refining.
*** Just published *** walk from Holyhead Market Hall along Newry Beach and the “rocky coast” across Mynydd Twr to South Stack.
*** in preparation *** : explore Holyhead town, see local geology, use of various rock types in the town and the local landscape. This walk will start out at Fish Dock and end at the start of the Breakwater.
Beaumaris : explore the building stones and local geological features around this popular town [not yet available to download but is one of a pack of printed leaflets that can be purchased from the online shop
Eglwys St. Cristiolus Church, Llangristiolus : the burial place of Edward Greenly, explore the geology of the churchyard written by Cynthia Burek. Download leaflet
Geotrails published in “Footsteps”
“Footsteps” is a lavishly illustrated, detailed book available for purchase from this website with 14 more detailed geotrails. here we publish one free to download as an example
Gallows Point Footsteps Trail – on the Menai strait near Beaumaris, this site shows a number of dykes intruded into gneiss and schistose rocks
Other trails in the book cover : Cemaes dykes, Cemaes rock trail, Llanddwyn, Lleiniog, Malltraeth, Marquess Column, Parys Mountain, Red Wharf Bay, Rhoscolyn, Rhosneigr, South Stack, Traeth Lligwy
