The Garvellachs

Start:
10 May @ 4:00 pm
End:
13 May @ 5:00 pm
Event Category:

Leaders: Tony Spencer & David Webster

Field days: Saturday/Sunday/Monday

Geological Background
The Garvellach islands expose a magnificent section of the glacial Neoproterozoic Port Askaig Formation. Although part of the Dalradian, it is relatively undeformed and contains an extraordinary amount of glacial features including spectacular glaciotectonic “rafts” as well as a sequence at the base recording the transitional onset of glaciation at the start of the Cryogenian – which is a prime candidate for a global “golden spike” or GSSP. We will discuss the concept of snowball earth and assess how the succession here fits (or doesn’t) with that model. We will aim to have one day on each of the three main islands in the archipelago.

No of participants: 10 maximum

Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Cuan Ferry 4pm. Boat to Lunga, dinner provided
Day 2. Boat trip Lunga to Garvellachs & return. Self-service breakfast/lunch. Dinner provided
Day 3. As above
Day 4. Boat trip Lunga to Garvellachs in morning & return to Cuan Ferry approx. 5pm.

Self service breakfast/lunch.
All weather dependent.
Transport to/from Cuan Ferry: Responsibility of participants

Accommodation
Rubha Fiola field centre on Lunga. Rudimentary Youth Hostel type accommodation. Dormitory rooms with bunks, some smaller rooms with beds. Off grid with battery powered lighting/phone charging. Sea toilet and solar hot water.

Personal Equipment
Sleeping bags, towels, head torch, helmet, gloves

Food
A variety of breakfast and lunch supplies will be available for DIY preparation. Dinner will be provided by centre staff.

Fitness/Agility
Ability to get in/out of small boats, including transfers from the larger boat to a smaller landing craft onto potentially slippery rocks.

Terrain
Walking on rough ground and rocky coasts without paths, but distances are relatively short.

Cost
Approx. £330 (including all boat trips, accommodation, food and leaders’ expenses).

This excursion is now fully booked. If you would like to go on the reserve list then please email the society’s secretary.

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