Wetherby Riverside Cliffs

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

STATUS: Local Geological Site
OTHER DESIGNATIONS:
COUNTY: West Yorkshire
DISTRICT: Leeds
OS GRID REF. SE 406 478 - SE 406 477 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: The site is a cliff of Upper Permian Cadeby Formation dolostone (formerly known as Magnesian Limestone) adjacent to the River Wharfe, flowing south-east from Wetherby. The cliff is about 150m long and 5-8m high and has probably been carved by the river during high flow conditions, possibly during the last glacial event. The rocks are very regularly bedded yellow and cream dolomitic limestone of the Wetherby member (lower member) of the Cadeby Formation.

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS: EDUCATIONAL VALUE: This site shows many features typical of dolostone and is easily accessible for large parties.

AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS: The river side footpath is lined with trees and forms an attractive public area, with good views of the Permian rocks next to the path. There is graffiti in one place on the cliff.

ACCESS AND SAFETY: Parking is available in the Wilderness car park at SE 404 480. The cliff starts beyond the car park through a small area of parkland. The riverside footpath is wide and safe, though sometimes muddy. The west end of the cliff is more overgrown than the central section, though there are still good views of the face.