Date/Time
Date(s) - Thursday, 21 August 2025
10:45 - 16:45
Categories
📍 Wirksworth, Derbyshire
🗓 Thursday 21st August 2025
🕥 10:45 am – 4:45 pm
💷 £15 per person (includes Geotrail, Fossil Detective activity and Light Railway)
👥 Max group size: 24 participants
Join Rockwatch for a fascinating geological adventure in the heart of the Peak District. Learn about Peak District limestones and what they reveal about Derbyshire’s ancient past and enjoy a hands-on Fossils and Minerals Day at the National Stone Centre.
Explore the Geotrail, become a fossil detective, ride a narrow-gauge railway, and hunt for mineral treasures at Black Rocks and Steeplehouse Quarry, home to fossil shark teeth and other surprises! See the link between geology and the nature of the local landscape.
🔍 Led by experts: Peter Jones, Robin Jeffcoat, and Viv Smith
📍 Meeting Point: NSC Discovery Centre, Porter Lane, DE4 4LS
What’s Included:
🪨 Expert-Led Geotrail Walk
Start your day with a fascinating guided walk through time as we explore rocks formed over 330 million years ago. Discover fossil evidence of ancient marine life and learn how these rocks shaped Derbyshire’s landscape.
🔍 Rock Detective Activity
Take part in a hands-on fossil detective session, identifying clues in the rocks to piece together stories of prehistoric sea creatures and their environments.
🚶♂️ Guided Walk Along the High Peak Trail
Enjoy a scenic walk past fascinating historical features — a lead mine shaft, a lime kiln, and remnants of a mineral railway — all showcasing Derbyshire’s rich industrial past.
🚂 Return Ride on the Steeple Grange Light Railway
All aboard a charming narrow-gauge railway! Enjoy a return trip along a former limestone mine route, full of geological interest and excitement for all ages.
🦈 Visit to Steeplehouse Quarry
Get up close with fossilised shark teeth and dermal denticles – a rare treat! Learn what these remains reveal about ancient marine ecosystems.
⛰ Walk to Black Rocks and Cromford Moor Mine Site
Trek through spectacular Peak District scenery, stopping to view features of historic mining operations and appreciate the geological diversity of the region.
💎 Hands-On Mineral Hunt
Search a large spoil heap for Derbyshire minerals and learn how to identify your finds. A great opportunity for Rockwatchers to take home their own piece of geological history.
🪨 Examination of Millstone Grit and Black Rocks Viewpoint
End the day climbing the iconic Black Rocks for breathtaking views and a final exploration of the famous Millstone Grit formations.
This day has everything — geology, history, nature, fun, and adventure — all expertly guided and family-friendly.
All this for just £15 per person? That’s a rock-solid bargain!
👉 Places are limited and limited to Rockwatch members only, so book soon and don’t miss out on this fantastic Rockwatch day out.
Bookings
Children must be accompanied by an adult so please buy tickets for children and accompanying adult/s.Bookings are closed for this event.
