Geology Walks

Gemma provides geology walks in the Peak District using her expertise as a professional geologist to create a story of the landscape and geological history of the area for novices and experts a-like.

Geology walks in the Peak District

Gemma has a BSc in Geology and Physical Geography, a MSc in Petroleum Geoscience and has been working as a professional geologist 12 years. Her passion lies in creating a geological story with the landscape using maps, data, models and the imagination! Having spent a number of field trips, both professionally and personal, around the Peak District, Gemma loves to share her enthusiasm and answer any questions people may have about the landscape that they see around them.

WildWays provide a number of CPD geology walks around the Castleton area of the dark Peak District throughout the year for Mountain Training Association. The walks will be posted on the MTA website (members area) and WildWays Upcoming Events page.

If you’re not a member of MTA and keen on learning more about the geology of the Castleton area and Peak District in general, why not get in touch to arrange a personalised group tour!

Price: £32 per person (minimum of 5 people) £25 for MTA members

Get in touch
On The Great Ridge, Peak District looking towards Mam Tor

Castleton Geology Walk

This walk will take you on a tour of the Carboniferous Limestonethrough to the Edale Shales and Millstone Grit, ranging from marine shales through to deltaic deposits.  We will also get up close to the wellstudied landslip of Mam Tor. 

We will look at outcrops of limestones which are hosts to hydrothermal mineral deposits, containing a unique variety of fluorspar called Blue John and also get to smell some oil on the top of Windy Knoll! 

This walk is ideal for anyone with an interest in geoscience, geology and physical geography and wanting to expand their knowledge and understanding of the geology of the Peak District. No prior knowledge is needed!

Leaning outcomes: 

  • Enhanced knowledge of identifying shale, limestone (and some of the fossils) and gritstone with its sedimentary features 
  • Learn about the environments in which the rocks were deposited and where the sediments came from. 
  • Understand how palaeo-maps can be constructed and their uses. 
  • Understand how the landscape that we see today was formed (and is still changing). 
  • Find some oil and be introduced to the petroleum geology system here and how it is used as an analogy for the North Sea oil and gas fields.

Kit List Essentials

  • Sturdy walking boots and socks

  • Comfortable clothing (I would not recommend jeans or cotton-based t-shirts)

  • Lunch, snacks, and liquids (preferably water)

  • Spare warm layer

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Personal first aid kit including any medication that you require

  • Rucksack (25-35 litre capacity)

  • Cash (car parking, ice cream etc.)

  • Good sense of humour!

Kit List Extras (depending on season and weather)

  • Walking poles – especially useful across uneven or boggy ground and streams

  • Waterproof trousers

  • Gaitors

  • Flask

  • Warm hat, gloves, buff/scarf

  • Dry bags or plastic bags to keep things dry in your rucksack if it doesn’t have it’s own cover.

  • Sun cream with a high SPF

  • Sun hat/sunglasses