STONE BOTHERING

Nestled amidst the idyllic countryside of Wiltshire, England, lies Folly Wood Gorge – a hidden gem waiting to be explored. While it may not be the grandest canyon you'll encounter, its beauty lies in its intimacy and local legends. And nestled within the gorge's embrace is the intriguing Holy Man's Cave, shrouded in mystery. A Gorge with a Hidden Past Folly Wood Gorge is a short but captivating wonder. The highlight? The way the trees cling to the gorge's edges, their roots snaking picturesquely across the rock face. Look closely, and nestled amongst these roots, you'll find the Holy Man's Cave. The name itself sparks curiosity – who was this holy man, and why did he choose this spot? Unfortunately, the cave's history remains shrouded in the mists of time. There are whispers of a hermit who once resided there, a solitary figure seeking solace in the gorge's embrace. However, another tale suggests a less holy inhabitant – Quabb, a notorious poacher and p

The Peak District became the first of the national parks in England and Wales in 1951. The prehistoric landscape attracts thousands of visitors every year. Here we list places that are worth a visit in this amazing national park. THE ROACHES The Roaches is a prominent rocky ridge formed from a thick bed of coarse sandstone of Namurian age, which occurs widely across the Peak District. The gritstone escarpment consists of amazing rock formations which are very popular with hikers and rock climbers. The most famous rock formations are Hen Cloud and Ramshaw Rocks. DOVEDALE Dovedale is a limestone valley famous for its interesting rock formations. The rock formations are the result of fossilised remains of sea creatures that lived in a shallow sea over the area during the Carboniferous period, about 350 million years ago. The rocks were cut into craggy shapes by glacial meltwater during the two ice ages and formed the landscape we see in these days. The caves in the area were also formed d

Somerset is a county in Southwest England well known for its prehistoric landscape. The stunning landscape is composed of rolling hills, large flat expanses of land and an extensive coastline. Here we list six prehistoric sites that are worth a visit. CHEDDAR GORGE Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge formed by meltwater floods during the periglacial periods which have occurred over the last 1.2 million years. The gorge is almost 400 feet deep and three miles long. This is England's largest gorge and it consists of crags, pinnacles and caves. The most popular caves known as Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave, were produced by the activity of an underground river called Cheddar Yeo River which emerges in the lower part of Gough's Cave. The caves contain stalagmites and stalactites which can be visited by the general public. Cheddar Gorge is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest known as Cheddar Complex. The gorge is also known for the discovery of Britain's oldest com

King Arthur's Cave is a limestone cave with a double interconnected entrance and two main chambers located in an area of limestone cliffs that were formed 345 million years ago. The caves in this area were cut into the rock by a river flowing along the base of the cliffs. Over time the river dissolved the limestone to form King Arthur's Cave and others. There is evidence that the cave was inhabited from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age period. Bones found during excavations suggest that humans sat around a fire eating red deer about 12,000 years ago. Flint tools and pottery from the Neolithic period were also found in the cave. The cave was excavated in 1871 by Reverend William Symonds. He unearthed bones from lion, giant deer, hyena and bones of ice age animals like woolly rhinoceros, cave bear and woolly mammoth. In the Victorian Era the cave was known as Hyena's Den. It's unclear why its name was changed to King Arthur's Cave. The cave is located in a nat

Nestled deep within the verdant embrace of the Mendip Hills lies Ubley Warren, a captivating landscape where nature's artistry meets the imprints of human history. But beneath the surface, hidden within its rolling hills and exposed rock faces, lies a geological wonderland waiting to be discovered. So, lace up your walking boots and grab your curiosity, because we're about to embark on a journey through the fascinating rock formations and historical mining whispers of Ubley Warren. A Canvas of Limestone: Step onto the weathered limestone pavements that dominate the landscape, and you're literally walking on history. These rocks, formed over 400 million years ago in a warm, shallow sea teeming with marine life, hold fossilized fragments of ancient creatures within their very fabric. Look closely, and you might spot remnants of brachiopods, crinoids, and even corals, whispering tales of a bygone era. The Scars of Industry: Ubley Warren's story isn't s

New Zealand's South boasts a rugged coastline sculpted by nature's artistry. Amongst its many treasures, three geological formations stand out, each unique and awe-inspiring: Split Apple Rock, Pancake Rocks, and Tonga Arches. Split Apple Rock: Perfectly Imperfect Perfection Split Apple Rock is an iconic granite boulder, perfectly split in two. It reveals its geological history like an open book. Millions of years of erosion by wind, waves, and rain carved this masterpiece, leaving a smooth, almost surgical, division. Pancake Rocks: Layered Delicacies of Limestone The Pancake Rocks are a surreal landscape. Layers of compressed limestone, formed from the skeletons of tiny sea creatures millions of years ago, resemble stacks of pancakes. But don't be fooled by their name - these "pancakes" are tough! The power of the ocean crashing against them creates dramatic blowholes, geysers of seawater erupting skyward. Stand mesmerized by the raw energy an

Dovedale, nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park, is a landscape sculpted by time and water. Here, the River Dove has carved a dramatic path through ancient limestone, leaving behind a wonderland of towering rock formations, hidden caves, and breathtaking vistas. If you're an adventurer seeking natural wonders, this is a place that will ignite your imagination. Rock Formations Whispering Tales: As you step into Dovedale, towering giants greet you. Ilam Rock, a colossal limestone outcrop, seems to hold secrets of the valley within its craggy depths. Look closely, and you'll see fossils embedded in its surface, remnants of a bygone era. Viator's Bridge, a natural archway shaped by the river's relentless flow, stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature. Lovers' Leap, a dramatic cliff, offers panoramic views of the valley below. Legend has it that a young woman, heartbroken by lost love, leapt from this very spot. Whe