Geoweek, which this year runs from 4-12 May, promotes active geoscience through outdoor activities. To mark the occasion, we have selected a collection of Discovering Britain walks to help you discover the remarkably varied geology of the UK and learn more about our rocky heritage.
Malham Cove trail
Explore the geology and landscape of one of the UK’s most famous and impressive natural features – the limestone pavement. A highlight of the Pennine Way, this weird and wonderful landscape around Malham Cove has even played host to Harry Potter. Be sure to keep a look out for peregrine falcons which have been nesting here since 1993.
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Glen Roy trail
This short walk in the Scottish Highlands is focused on a curious feature etched into the valley sides. Unravel the mystery of the parallel roads and discover why this was the site of Darwin’s ‘gigantic blunder’.
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Dudley walk
Take a stroll through the bedrock of the Industrial Revolution. Crossing four limestone hills you’ll gain an insight into Dudley’s unique geology, enjoy panoramic views across the West Midlands and journey through 428 million years of the Earth’s history.
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White Horse Hill walk
This circular walk around the striking chalk figure and Iron Age fort of White Horse Hill in South Oxfordshire uncovers stories of kings, saints, goddesses, dragons and a giant horse. Find out how this landscape has shaped people’s lives for thousands for years from religion and culture to travel and trade.
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Preseli Mountains, Wales © Grassrootsgroundswell from Flickr under a CC0 BY 2.0 license
Preseli Mountains viewpoint
At first glance, this remote corner of Pembrokeshire has nothing to do with Stonehenge in rural Wiltshire. But geological tests have shown that at least one of the bluestones at Stonehenge came from this very spot. Explore what might have enticed our ancestors to move these rocks nearly 200 miles across the country.
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Green Park tube viewpoint
Discover why one of London’s busiest tube stations, located between Mayfair and the West End, is decorated in dead sea creatures. The answer is written in stone.
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Inspired to discover more of Britain’s landscapes? Visit the Discovering Britain website today, where every landscape has a story to tell.