Walton Moraine

Geological Sites | Leeds | Bradford | Calderdale | Kirklees | Wakefield

STATUS: Local Geological Site
OTHER DESIGNATIONS:
COUNTY: West Yorkshire
DISTRICT: Leeds
OS GRID REF. SE 4482 4808 OS 1:50,000 Landranger 105 York & Selby OS 1:25,000 Explorer 289 Leeds BGS 1:50,000 Sheet 70 Leeds
FIRST DESIGNATED West Yorkshire Geology Trust in February 2010
DATE OF MOST RECENT SURVEY January 2010 by West Yorkshire Geology Trust
DESIGNATION SHEET UPDATED February 2010

SITE DESCRIPTION: This site consists of a section of a morainic ridge which runs E-W through Walton village and is about 3km long and several hundred metres wide. It is part of the Escrick Moraine Member, which is part of the Devensian Vale of York Till Formation. The area of the moraine designated as a LGS consists of a mound about 20m high, facing SE. The mound is covered by thin gravelly scree which consists mainly of stony silty clay. The stones or clasts are mainly comprised of Carboniferous rock types, mainly fine to coarsegrained sandstone or limestones. The clasts are angular to rounded and dispersed in a matrix of brown silty clay. A full analysis of the texture (size and roundness) and composition of the deposit is given in a separate report. The moraine slope overlooks an extensive flat area, probably of partially made ground, with a large pond underlain by peat.

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS: It is possible that gravel has been extracted in the past, though the owner is not aware of working having occurred.

EDUCATIONAL VALUE: The site is of scientific importance only and is probably not suitable for use by parties or the general public.

AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS: There has been some tipping of organic waste at the foot of the slope.

ACCESS AND SAFETY: Inholmes Lane track, which is very rough and not suitable for vehicles. There is a small amount of parking space close to the Walton to Wighill road.