Date/Time
Date(s) - Sunday, 9 August 2026
11:30 - 14:00
Location
Gamelands Stone Circle
Categories
Poster for Field Trip to Gamelands Stone Circle in Orton, Cumbria
A fascinating journey through geology, history and the landscapes of Cumbria
At a Glance
- Date: Sunday 9 August 2026
- Time: 11.30AM – 2PM
- Location: Knott Hill, Orton, Cumbria
- Places: 30
- Cost: £2.50 per person
- Suitable for: Families and children 5+
Join Rockwatch for a fascinating day exploring the geology and ancient history of the Cumbrian countryside with leader Audrey Brown.
We’ll begin at the intriguing Gamelands Stone Circle, discovering how its impressive Shap Granite boulders arrived here and why one stone is unlike all the others. Together we’ll consider how and why this prehistoric monument was built before setting off on the main adventure.
The rest of the day will be spent exploring nearby limestone outcrops and old quarries in search of the abundant Carboniferous fossils that make this area so special. We’ll look for beautifully preserved brachiopods, corals and other marine fossils while learning about the warm tropical seas that covered Cumbria more than 330 million years ago.
There will be opportunities for safe scrambling across the grassy hillside, examining fossil-rich rocks, spotting geological features and searching the quarry debris for loose fossils that may be suitable to take home.
Bring a picnic lunch, sturdy footwear and your curiosity for a wonderful family day of geology, fossil hunting and outdoor exploration.
Suitable for families and young geologists who enjoy discovering Earth’s ancient past.
Know a young fossil hunter? Why not invite a friend, grandchild or another family to join you this weekend? Rockwatch events are a great way to introduce children to geology, and non-members are very welcome to come along.
Whether you’re fascinated by rocks, ancient monuments or simply enjoy exploring somewhere new with your family, this promises to be a memorable day out.
Suitable for curious children and adults alike.
Come along and uncover another chapter in Britain’s remarkable geological and archaeological story with Rockwatch.
Bookings
Children must be accompanied by an adult so please buy tickets for children and accompanying adult/s.Bookings are closed for this event.
