Dorset Geologist’s Association Group (DGAG) will host a Field Trip on the Saturday 2 May 2026 to Charmouth, Dorset
Title: Charmouth Fieldtrip – Geology and Fossils of the Jurassic Coast at Charmouth
Leader: Pauline Dagnall
Time: 10:30 am start – low tide 13:15 – finish time approximate
Meet Location: Outside Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, near steps and café picnic tables at 10:30 am. OS map reference SY 366 930.
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Postcode DT6 6LR
Nearest toilets: Public toilets in a separate building at the rear of the Centre.
Car Parks: Parking fees apply. It’s best to bring cash.
There is a small tarmac pay and display car park directly in front of the Heritage Coast Centre, charging £1.50 per hour. There are also two privately owned car parks which are open during peak periods and are a short walk from the beach area charging £3-6.
Entry Cost: Fieldtrip free to DGAG members.
Booking: to register your interest, email Jonathan Stiby at fieldtrips@dorsetgeologistsassociation.org
Description: This trip will introduce the local geology setting of the Lower Jurassic, the Upper Cretaceous and the unconformity between them. We’ll also look at the land slips of Black Ven and Stonebarrow. We will also look for fossils on the beach and have time to visit the Heritage Coast Centre with its amazing exhibits. Walking boots, robust footwear. Bring packed lunch, any dogs must be on leads. Full details will be issued to those wishing to join this great trip. I (Jonathan Stiby) will be seeking a willing volunteer to write up the trip for the DGAG newsletter and thank you very much if you are able to do this for the benefit of all.
Photo: courtesy of Jonathan Stiby
Dorset Geologists’ Association Group (DGAG) will host a Guided Walk on the Saturday 16 May 2026 to Golden Cap and Hardown Hill, Dorset.
Title: A guided walk – Golden Cap, St Gabriel’s and Hardown Hill
Leader: Richard Barrett
Time: 10:30 am start – 2:30 pm finish approx
Meet Location: Langdon Hill National Trust Car Park. DT6 6EP
SY 41239 93064;
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Nearest toilets: none
Car Parks: Langdon Hill National Trust Car Park (see above)
Entry Cost: Fieldtrip free to DGAG members. Parking fee applies if not a National Trust member
Booking: to register your interest, email Jonathan Stiby at fieldtrips@dorsetgeologistsassociation.org
Description: This is a guided walk on the coastal and inland paths of West Dorset. It will introduce the local geology setting of the walk before ascending Golden Cap.
On Golden Cap, we’ll enjoy the extensive views from the highest point on the south coast of England, before descending to St Gabriel’s and its disused chapel. From there we will walk on paths to the village of Morcombelake before ascending Hardown Hill and visiting its chert quarry – a DIGS site. We will enjoy the views over Marshwood Vale from Hardown before making our return to the car park. We will view various points of geological, geographical and archaeological interest enroute. Many of the buildings we will pass are built of local stone. Total distance: 8km (5 miles).
Please note: the walk is on marked footpaths and lanes and has some steep ascents and descents. The paths may be slippery after wet weather. Suitable for reasonably fit people with experience of country walking. Walking boots or robust shoes required. Bring walking poles if appropriate.
Bring Packed lunch. No dogs please.
Photo: Provisional courtesy Jonathan Stiby
Dorset Geologist’s Association Group (DGAG) will host a Field Trip on the Saturday 28th Feb 2026
Title: Lulworth Fieldtrip – Mupe Bay and Fossil Forest
Leader : Tony Cross
Time: 11.00 am
Meet Location: Meet location: Junction of Church Road Lulworth and B3070 (by pillar box and bench),SY 823 805. What 3Words ///inflates.tulip.think
Nearest toilets: if needed, arrive early and walk down to the Lulworth Heritage Centre before returning to meeting place above.
Car Parks: Free parking on Church Road, Lulworth by Holy Trinity Church
Entry Cost: Fieldtrip free to DGAG members. Parking fee applies if using Lulworth Heritage Centre.
Booking: to register your interest, email Jonathan Stiby at fieldtrips@dorsetgeologistsassociation.org
Description: This trip will introduce the local geology setting of Lulworth, and Mupe Bay and the Fossil Forest in particular.
We will walk to Mupe Bay and the Fossil Forest taking the coast path above Lulworth Cove avoiding the significant landslide that has impeded beach access.
Full details will be issued to those wishing to join this great trip.
I will be seeking a willing volunteer to write up the trip for the DGAG newsletter and thank you very much if you are able to do this for the benefit of all.
Best wishes – Jonathan Stiby – Fieldtrip Officer
Photo: Provisional; courtesy of Ian West link below
Additional Links: As and when available but one to get you started;
Ian West website for the Lulworth section (Courtesy of Southampton University)
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