A large group enjoyed a gentle afternoon pottering around the spectacular gorge of the River Goyt, at New Mills. The glacially diverted river cuts through the Woodhead Hill Rock, exposing 20m cliffs with cross-bedding, scouring and other sedimentary features. The river provided power for numerous calico mills in the C18th and C19th so New Mills became an important industrial town.

Communications were difficult because the gorge was a fearsome barrier to road and railway, but bridges and tunnels were built at various periods, so the walk along the bottom of the gorge is fascinating for industrial archaeology as well as the geology of the sandstones.

Ravenstonedale is situated in a very quiet spot in Cumbria, between Kirby Stephen and Sedburgh. It lies close to the Dent Fault, between the Howgill Fells and limestones of the North Pennines. Six of the group were able to walk long distances over slates and greywackes on one sunny day to find graptolites, waterfalls and an unlicensed pub, which sold most unusual ginger beers and sarsaparilla.

Next day, limestone pavements and quarries, minerals and spoil tips from lead mining were found on the eastern side of the Dent Fault. We had a delightful walk along the River Eden at Kirby Stephen looking at Permian rocks, while enjoying good views of the Kirby Stephen macaws, which hung from ivy-clad trees above the river.

Meet Alison at the car park opposite New Mill church (SE 166087) at 11.30.
There may be some parking in the car-park but there will be a church service so most spaces will be taken. There is parking on the lanes around the church.
Bring a packed lunch and drinks. Tea and coffee will be available at Lark's House on the return walk to New Mill.
Footpaths could be muddy, so wear walking boots. If anyone would like to arrange to leave a car at Lark's House in order to walk one way only (2 miles) then please talk to Alison.
Full walk is about 4 miles and includes some steep lanes. Return to New Mill church by about 4.30.
We will investigate what remains can be seen of coal-mining activity in this Coal Measures area, and find out a little bit about the history of mining in an area which has not been mined for the last 50 years.

Members Retrospective: a review last year and planning for next year plus a quiz on: Which Building Stone Where?

• June 12th - the building stones of Millennium Square, Leeds.
• July 10th - Allerton Park Quarry/Hanson Aggregates - extraction of moraine material and processing for aggregates.
• July 20th - coast section from Arnside to Silverdale, Morecambe Bay.
• August 3rd -Scott Gate Ash Quarries above Pateley Bridge & features in Upper Nidderdale.

Contact the General Secretary on 01904 626013 for details.

• 22nd May - Origin of Gold in the Witwatersrand of South Africa.

This is the last newsletter for this programme year. The programme for 2003 - 2004 will be out in August. Thanks to Alison for contributions. Deadline for the next edition is 1st September.