Hi All,
A bit of background… I did an Open University geology course a few
years ago which was based in the Northern Pennines. From a structural
point of view we were introduced to the Alston and Askrigg Blocks
(high level blocks underlain by granite) with the intervening
Stainmore Trough (a depositional basin), and the Pennine Fault
adjoining the Vale of Eden. There were a few field trips associated
with the course which gave a localised view of the area's geology
(Shap, Bowlees and various other bits and bobs)
Last week I had occasion to have a drive around the Northern Pennines
which took me from Ingleton up to Weardale. I found a number of
aspects of the trip to be interesting.
The section from Arkengarthdale towards Stainmore: The transition from
the relatively narrow confines of Arkengarthdale to the large tract of
lower land towards the busy traffic bustling along the A66 was quite
stark, as was the rising limestone scenery from Brough towards
Teesdale.
Most impressive of all was the line of the Pennine Fault as seen
driving from Penrith to Kirby Steven along the Vale of Eden. The empty
tract of country to the east driving from Alston toward Hartside Pass.
To the main point. I'm keen to learn more about the regional geology
and to this end I'm thinking of doing a walk from Settle up to Alston
in August, which I'd like to take in as many geological points of
interest as possible. Has anyone done a geologically orientated
traverse of the Northern Pennines? (mines/caves/geological features) A
rough route is:
Wharfedale/Littondale – Wensleydale – Swaledale – either Mallertang or
Arkengarthdale – Teesdale etc. Any ideas ?
Cheers,
Robin