The geology of North Berwick, East Lothian
Schedule
Thu May 14 2026 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
North Berwick Beach | Inverkeithing, SC
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Volcanoes by the Sea: A Geology Tour of North Berwick with @ScottishGeologistJoin @ScottishGeologist on a coastal geology tour of North Berwick, where ancient volcanoes meet sandy beaches and tidal platforms reveal a dramatic geological past. With views to Bass Rock and the Firth of Forth, this accessible field trip brings to life the Carboniferous volcanic landscape of East Lothian — once home to lava lakes, tropical swamps, and shallow seas.
What to Expect
🌋 Explore a Volcanic Past
Walk across the eroded remains of a Carboniferous volcano, with excellent exposures of basaltic lava, volcaniclastic rocks, and tuffs.
Learn how North Berwick Law, Bass Rock, and Craigleith are all volcanic plugs — the solidified centres of ancient volcanoes that once dominated the region ~340 million years ago.
Identify classic features of igneous intrusions, including columnar jointing, baked contacts, and chilled margins.
🪨 Sedimentary Layers and Fossils
See interbedded sandstones, mudstones, and limestones along the coastline — deposited in ancient estuaries, lagoons, and shallow tropical seas.
Look for fossils of marine life, such as shells, crinoids, and corals, in weathered limestone blocks and loose material.
Learn how the landscape alternated between volcanic eruptions and quiet marine deposition.
🌊 Dynamic Coastal Features
Explore tidal platforms, wave-cut benches, and sea stacks, where erosion exposes some of the best rock outcrops in East Lothian.
Observe how modern processes like wave erosion continue to shape the rocks and sediment today.
Discover how geology influences the layout of the coastline, harbours, and natural defences.
🧭 Iconic Viewpoints and Landforms
Get panoramic views of Bass Rock — a volcanic plug now home to thousands of seabirds — and learn about its geology and history.
See how local landforms like The Law, Craigleith, and Fidra are all geologically connected.
Understand how volcanic activity in the Carboniferous created the chain of plugs stretching across the Firth of Forth.
👣 Hands-On Exploration
Try identifying igneous textures (fine- vs coarse-grained), sedimentary bedding, and fossils in the field.
Use simple tools (like hand lenses) to interpret rock relationships and discuss how geologists reconstruct past environments.
Enjoy interactive discussions on how volcanism, sedimentation, and sea-level changes all left their mark on North Berwick’s rocks.
Who Should Attend?
Great for beginners, families, students, and geology enthusiasts of all levels.
Especially suited to those interested in volcanology, fossils, and Scottish coastal geology.
The route is mostly flat and walkable, with optional rocky shore sections depending on tides.
Event Details
📍 Location: North Berwick, East Lothian
🗓️ Date: Thursday 14th May 2026
⏰ Duration: 12:00-14:00
🎟️ Price: £25 pp meet us there. £45 pick up from Glasgow
🥾 Accessibility: Mostly coastal paths and beach; some optional scrambling on rock platforms at low tide
Why Join This Tour?
Led by the engaging and knowledgeable @ScottishGeologist, this tour lets you walk across ancient volcanoes, hunt for fossils, and read the landscape like a geologist. North Berwick offers a stunning blend of natural beauty, geological significance, and accessible coastal geology, perfect for a fun and educational day out.
Book Your North Berwick Geology Tour Today
🪨 Ancient lava.
🌊 Modern tides.
🌋 This is Scotland’s volcanic coast — and you’re invited.
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Where is it happening?
North Berwick Beach, South Queensferry, Inverkeithing, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
