Our one day pre-conference field trip will be to the beautiful island of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) off the north coast of Wales, reached across the Menai Strait. As some of the locations are tide dependent, the final itinerary and timings will be confirmed closer to the event, but will include at least two of the following locations:
Parys Mountain (Mynydd Parys): Located near the small town of Amlwch on the north of the Island, it is the site of a large 18th Century copper mine. We will explore the Mars like landscape of volcanogenic sulphide ore deposits and volcanic rhyolites. Access is good from the roadside carpark and paths are wide and generally level, although a short section of uphill is required to reach the top. General caution is required however, as this is a disused mine.
~2 hours
Newborough Beach (Niwbwrch, Treath Lladdwyn) is a beautiful beach backed by sand dunes and pine forests. From the car park, it is around a 1 mile walk across the sandy beach, taking in the volcanic pillow lavas along the way, to beautiful Ynys Llanddwyn, voted ‘one of the top 100 geological sites on the planet’. Access to the Island is however tide dependent so timings or visit will be decided nearer the time. Approximately 4 miles of gentle walking (mostly flat, across the sand) is required to explore the beach and Island in full; this is an out and back walk so it is possible to return at any time to the car park.
~4 hours
South Stack: should access to Ynys Llanddwyn not be possible, we will instead travel to Holy Island, a small Island off the north west coast of Ynys Môn to visit the spectacular sea cliffs at the South Stack lighthouse. Paths here are rocky and along high cliffs, so please ensure sensible footwear is worn and general caution is needed.
Finally…
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch: of course, no trip to North Wales would be complete without visiting the village with the longest settlement name in the World! We will make a brief stop here at the train station with the longest station sign for photos and gift shop.
Information
The field trip will be run by an experienced local geologist and supported by members of the local organising committee.
Itinerary and timings to be confirmed closer to the time and depending on tide times.
Pick up ~8.30am drop off St Georges Llandudno ~5.30-6pm (tbc)
Walking will be involved, alongside the unpredictable Welsh weather, so please bring appropriate clothing and footwear (sun cream, waterproofs etc!)
A picnic lunch and water will be provided to hopefully eat on the beach in the sunshine! Please bring any other drinks or snacks you might require.
You take part at your own risk.
Spaces
45
Cost
£60 (including picnic lunch from a local delicatessen)
