Description

The area around Aberystwyth has been recogniced as possessing fascinating geology for over 100 years. It is the cradle of Welsh Basin studies not least because of the quality of exposure along the Cardigan Bay coast and the importance of the fossilferous sites near Plynlimon. In addition to this Lower Palaeozoic geology, the area is known for the variety of geomorphology, particularly glacial landforms, and modern sedimentary environments. This guide aims to offer the user itineraries that contain as much of this rich variety as possible, although there is an emphasis, in the first 8 itineraries, on the Aberystwyth Grits and Borth Mudstones formations so clearly exposed along the coast. Where appropriate, the itinerary descriptions incorportae all the most recent ideas on the area, but to assist those with limited specialist knowledge, appendicies and a glossary are included.