Geology Walks through time in Shropshire: Walk 6: Nesscliffe Hill

Discover the amazing geology of Shropshire!

Walk 6 (final walk)

Permo-Triassic

Nesscliffe Hill & the Cliffe

This is the final of 6 geology walks visiting important geological sites in the county of Shropshire, in partnership with the Shropshire Geological Society and in celebration of CPRE’s centenary year.

For this walk we are at Nesscliffe hill the most western of a series of Triassic hills that rise from the Shropshire plain North of Shrewsbury.

Most of North and Northeast Shropshire is made up of Permo-Triassic rocks. This period followed the closure of the ocean at the end of the Carboniferous. A large river flowed from the mountains that had formed in Northern France carrying sand and rocks across southern Britain. And seasonal lakes formed and dried up leaving salt deposits across Britain. A large sea stretched from eastern Britain into Europe leaving an important economic legacy. Our area was in an arid upland environment with seasonal rivers and desert conditions.

The walk

The walk will start from the Pines Car Park we will then climb up the hill to the Hill Fort and Olivers Point. From there we will walk down the slope to the southern edge of the woods and follow the path to the quarry. After looking at the features of the quarry there is the option to visit Kynastons Cave which is in another smaller quarry. This is a steeper climb on a narrow and more uneven path.

Alternatively you can follow the path around the base of the hill back to the car park.

The geology and features of historical or ecological interest will be explained along the way. There are some excellent views especially towards the Welsh hills.

Practical Details

Basic fitness is required for these walks and suitable clothing will be required.

We are sorry but we do not allow dogs on these walks since we are often on farmland.

CPRE Shropshire is delighted to be running all six walks in conjunnction with the Shropshire Geological Society. More about SGS at https://shropshiregeology.org.uk

More information on our website: www.cpreshropshire.org.uk/geology-project

CPRE is 100 years old this year! Why not join us and help us protect the countryside we love! Go to : www.cpreshropshire.org.uk/join-cpre