GENERAL INFORMATION

This field trip is intended to give an introduction to some geological ideas and we're hoping to keep the terminology to a minimum - or at least explain terms as we introduce them.

The outcrops at Greencastle are on the beach and very near the road. After spending an hour or so at Greencastle, we'll drive to Cranfield West. To see all the outcrops there will involve walking about 3 kilometres in total but it's level walking on a beach and you can easily turn back if you want. We'll have a picnic lunch, either at Cranfield West or at the Silent Valley, depending on weather and time. After lunch we'll visit the Silent Valley where Bernard Anderson will tell us about the history and geology of the reservoir.

DIRECTIONS TO GREENCASTLE - FROM THE NORTH

Entering Kilkeel from the Newcastle direction, continue straight on at the traffic lights in the middle of the town. The best turn for Greencastle is at 2.4 miles from the traffic lights. Ignore a road signed "Greencastle" before this - if you go down this you will probably get lost. The correct turn is a right fork and there is a green Water Service box with a fence around it just at the corner. (You couldn't bear left here anyway last Sunday because that road was closed - I just hope nothing else is closed next Saturday). A very short distance further on you come to a T junction. Turn right. On Sunday this had diversion signs pointing both ways! Continue a short distance to another T junction and turn left, passing a conspicuous church. It's a straight run of 2 miles from here to Greencastle Point apart from a staggered crossroads. The road is a dead end and finishes at a shed and quay just beyond the point.

DIRECTIONS TO GREENCASTLE - FROM THE WEST

Follow the coast road east from Rostrevor. At 5 miles from Rostrevor, turn right. After a further 2¼ miles, turn right again. I haven't checked, but both these turnings should be signposted "Greencastle".

DIRECTIONS TO CRANFIELD WEST - FROM GREENCASTLE