The geological history of Gairloch is long and complicated. We will try to give the basics of the geology of the area and why it is such an interesting topic too many people.
The Hebridean Gneiss – This ancient stone is found all through the north west of Scotland and are some of the oldest rocks to naturally surface in the UK. Some have been measured as being over three billion years old. This type of stone has been formed due to repeatedly being exposed to extreme heat and pressure over the eons. It is made up of quartz, feldspar, mica and hornblende which mixed together create a crystalline which we call Gneiss and can be quite coarse to the touch.
Torridon Sandstone – This rather splendid dark and almost red looking rock is found in some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country and date back to the Precambrian era. it is some of the oldest deposited sedimentary rock in the UK, some from as much as 1.5 billion years ago. This sedimentary stone was transported through rivers and the ancients oceans that covered Scotland which were cemented and once were estimated to be over 7.5 kilometres thick. They have however been eroded over time and cover much the the landscape of north west Scotland.
Quartzite – This metamorphic stone is usually found to be white or grey in colour but if in the past it has been stained by iron it can be a variety of colours including pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, brown or green. Quartzite is also one of the most physically and chemically resistant stones found on the earths surface. Quartzite is also a very common sight for hill walkers as it makes up many of the ridges of the mountains in the north west of Scotland as most other less durable types of stones are eroded by the environment over time but the quartzite is able to endure it. Quartzite also makes up a lot of the scree fields (loose stones) found in the hills around the north west of Scotland which can act as a barrier and danger for many hill walkers.
Why not have a day on the water with us and see the various rocks from the unique perspective of a kayak? As the tide rises and falls we can discover the wonders of Gairloch, it’s hills and seas, together.
Book now for an amazing kayak experience with Gairloch Canoe and Kayak Centre.
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