Mapping around Scotland allows you to follow in the footsteps of the some of the most notable geologists of the past including Hutton, Lyell, Peach & Horne and ... Lawrence! Scotland is well known as one of the best areas in the world to study geology, and in particular structure, and what's more its right on your doorstop. One of the major benefits of mapping in Scotland is that you'll likely recall some of the geological history of the region, as well as recognise a few of the rock types from your field trips to Arran and Assynt. Just make sure to pack plenty of waterproofs and have your midge nets at the ready!
Broadford, Isle of Skye
Location: Strath district (area south of Broadford), Isle of Skye, Scotland
Outline of geology: Large variety: Torridonian sandstone thrust over dolostones of Durness Formation, partially covered by Triassic/Jurassic conglomerates, limestones and siltstones. This material was then all folded and locally contact metamorphosed which was contemporaneous with the production of pyroclastics, basalt flows, dykes, major sills and large granite intrusions.
Topographic description: Boggy moorland in the East, low hills in the centre and becoming mountainous in the far west. If you want a variety of lithologies - possibly the best place in the country to do it (heavily mapped).
Accommodation: Tigh Holm cottages, by Broadford. These were excellent. They gave us a dehumidifier which meant we never had to leave the cottages in the morning with wet boots, it was always very clean and has 4 single beds making it ideal for the less coupley mapping group (can convert to a double and a single). They also give a reduction for long stays to £110pppw. Good to have a car though as the mapping areas are half an hour to 2 hour hour walk way for one group and 2 to 3 and a 1/2 hour walk away for the other group. The owners, Anita and Howard are really friendly, they took us on a boat trip! they were also really helpful in giving us suggestions for good things to do around Skye on days off. Essentially this place was amazing.
Food: Co-op in Broadford- 25min walk or 3 mins in car. Generally well equipped, island food is expensive, sometimes they would run out of some things in the evening. Also occasionally went for fish and chips (big fish) and for a treat the Claymore has really nice seafood.
Transport: Car was very useful for getting stuff up, travelling to the mapping area and having trips off around Skye. Weather: fairly cold and misty at the start, then surprisingly good weather for the next 4 weeks, 4 days unworkable. T range: 12-25, rain on average 2 days a week.
Accommodation: £660
Total cost: £1000 (roughly)
Accommodation: £660
Transport: £40
Food: About £45 a week
Would you recommend this area: Yes, particularly if you like lithologies, rather than structure. Also, very convenient.
Year Mapped: 2013
Outline of geology: Large variety: Torridonian sandstone thrust over dolostones of Durness Formation, partially covered by Triassic/Jurassic conglomerates, limestones and siltstones. This material was then all folded and locally contact metamorphosed which was contemporaneous with the production of pyroclastics, basalt flows, dykes, major sills and large granite intrusions.
Topographic description: Boggy moorland in the East, low hills in the centre and becoming mountainous in the far west. If you want a variety of lithologies - possibly the best place in the country to do it (heavily mapped).
Accommodation: Tigh Holm cottages, by Broadford. These were excellent. They gave us a dehumidifier which meant we never had to leave the cottages in the morning with wet boots, it was always very clean and has 4 single beds making it ideal for the less coupley mapping group (can convert to a double and a single). They also give a reduction for long stays to £110pppw. Good to have a car though as the mapping areas are half an hour to 2 hour hour walk way for one group and 2 to 3 and a 1/2 hour walk away for the other group. The owners, Anita and Howard are really friendly, they took us on a boat trip! they were also really helpful in giving us suggestions for good things to do around Skye on days off. Essentially this place was amazing.
Food: Co-op in Broadford- 25min walk or 3 mins in car. Generally well equipped, island food is expensive, sometimes they would run out of some things in the evening. Also occasionally went for fish and chips (big fish) and for a treat the Claymore has really nice seafood.
Transport: Car was very useful for getting stuff up, travelling to the mapping area and having trips off around Skye. Weather: fairly cold and misty at the start, then surprisingly good weather for the next 4 weeks, 4 days unworkable. T range: 12-25, rain on average 2 days a week.
Accommodation: £660
Total cost: £1000 (roughly)
Accommodation: £660
Transport: £40
Food: About £45 a week
Would you recommend this area: Yes, particularly if you like lithologies, rather than structure. Also, very convenient.
Year Mapped: 2013
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