Another walk from 'Lakeland Geology' by Francis, Holmes and Yardley with an extension to take in the nature reserve - geology and birding in one afternoon! Whitbarrow is one of the few remaining examples of the limestone which once covered the Lake District.
The limestone (calcium carbonate) is dissolved by rainwater (weak acid) to form the typical pattern of channels and blocks (or grykes and clints).
The limestone (calcium carbonate) is dissolved by rainwater (weak acid) to form the typical pattern of channels and blocks (or grykes and clints).
![Stacks Image 5](files/stacks-image-9b1ec42.jpg)
The tree pattern gives the direction of the prevailing wind.
![Stacks Image 9](files/stacks-image-a29b9c2.jpg)
![Stacks Image 27](files/stacks-image-ea3eb2c.jpg)
![Stacks Image 25](files/stacks-image-fd20348.jpg)
Not all the geology is limestone and the pictures show a couple of Borrowdale volcanic erratics. SD 442874.
![Stacks Image 18](files/stacks-image-86a5386.jpg)
![Stacks Image 16](files/stacks-image-7373115.jpg)
![Stacks Image 40](files/stacks-image-18d12cc.jpg)
Plants growing in the grykes, juniper and alpines are communion.
![Stacks Image 36](files/stacks-image-e31e748.jpg)
Some plants may grow to some size!
![Stacks Image 55](files/stacks-image-f22e6ef-800x1200.jpg)
Pothole entrance in limestone.