During the fine weather we have been exploring Farleton Fell, Newbiggin Crags and Hutton Roof Crags quite a bit. We are both especially fascinated by the limestone and its unique formations.
Limestone pavements were formed by the erosion of the retreating glaciers during the last ice age, about 12,000 years ago. The gaps between the different layers of rock were enlarged by later erosion and weather to form 'grykes', resulting in a pattern looking very much like a man-made pavement.
The area around Farleton Fell is one of the best in the country, so as well as giving us amazing views across Morecambe Bay and the North Yorkshire hills, the area gives us geological interest beneath our feet too.
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| Satellite image of limestone pavement at Newbiggin Crags, showing occasional trees |
From a satellite photo, the area of limestone pavement looks more like the surface of the Moon and, on a dry day, it is a different kind of walking experience.
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| Trees sometimes establish themselves in the most inhospitable locations |
The very thin topsoil and sparse vegetation add to the feeling of wilderness, even though we are only ten minutes from home. Occasionally trees somehow got established in a gryke and have survived against the odds.
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| The last ice age brought boulders here and left them lying around |
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| Boulders with distinctive channels |
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| Some large boulders were left balanced at odd angles |
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| The sedementary nature of the limestone, formed under the ocean 350 million years ago, can be seen |
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| A forest of foxgloves was blowing in the wind |
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| A flying visitor |
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| The different layers of limestone |
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| There were plenty of tasty little flowers for the sheep - these smelt strongly of honey |
