CANCELLED - Geology & Poetry
Lead by Mike Stephenson & Andy Howard
CANCELLED - Saturday 11 September 2021 | 2:00pm - 4:30pm
DUE TO THE ONGOING COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND HIGH NUMBERS OF INFECTION, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Tors of Lower Kinderscout Grit sculpted by periglacial weathering, Dicken Rocks, Widdop Moor, evocative of ‘a chess-world of topheavy Kings and Queens’ from Ted Hughes’ poem ‘Moors’, included in his ‘Remains of Elmet’ collection.
Image courtesy of Mark Bolton, @markabolphotography
Celebrated Yorkshire poet Ted Hughes grew up in the Calder valley and the geology and landscape of the neighbouring moorland influenced much of his verse. Some of the poems of his ‘Remains of Elmet’ collection were inspired by the rocks, heather and water of Widdop Moor, and Hughes evidently had a good understanding of the geological forces that shaped the Yorkshire landscape.
The rocks – known as the ‘Millstone Grit’ – were formed in tropical river deltas 320 million years ago, and still retain features of their origin. They appear as outcrops and huge scattered boulders strewn over the slopes. Join us on a walk to discover the geology and poetic landscape of Widdop Moor with descriptions of the geology and readings from some of Hughes’ most evocative geological poetry. Both geologists and admirers of Hughes’ iconic work will find much to enjoy! YGS is pleased to offer another opportunity to participate on this walk, which was originally held as part of the South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival in 2019.
You can read more about how Ted Hughes was inspired by the landscape of Widdop Moor in Geoscientist Online. For a foretaste of the walk, please also try our Google EarthTM Virtual Field Trip to Widdop Moor to get you in the mood!
The itinerary entails a mix of gravel paths with some unmade moorland trails. Stout footwear and weatherproof clothing are recommended. Total walking distance 6km, with gentle ascent/descent of 60m.
Participation is free of charge.
Numbers are limited to 25 people – each participant must be registered individually. Further details of the itinerary and meeting points will be forwarded to registrants in advance of the event.
Due to the possibility that Government Covid-19 guidance or restrictions may change, please keep coming back to this page to check on the status of the field trip and for the latest updates.