Another walk from 'Lakeland Geology' by Francis, Holmes and Yardley with an extension to take in the nature reserve - geology and birding in one afternoon! Whitbarrow is one of the few remaining examples of the limestone which once covered the Lake District.
The limestone (calcium carbonate) is dissolved by rainwater (weak acid) to form the typical pattern of channels and blocks (or grykes and clints).
The limestone (calcium carbonate) is dissolved by rainwater (weak acid) to form the typical pattern of channels and blocks (or grykes and clints).
The tree pattern gives the direction of the prevailing wind.
Not all the geology is limestone and the pictures show a couple of Borrowdale volcanic erratics. SD 442874.
Plants growing in the grykes, juniper and alpines are communion.
Some plants may grow to some size!
Pothole entrance in limestone.
