Whitehead and Browns Bay Fieldtrip –quarries and industrial heritage; beaches, streams and rocks

Overview

A two part day. First we will look at the evidence of past quarrying and rock processing at Whitehead using field evidence, together with historical maps, photographs and artwork to investigate the story of limestone and basalt processing and learn about the former brickworks and the important White Harbour in the area.

In the afternoon we will meet up at Browns Bay. With a low tide we will be able to look at modern beach and stream processes which should include ridge and runnel beach forms; and stream phenomena including abandoned terraces, braided channels, point bars and anti-dunes. We will also have a look at the solid geology around the beach.

12.45 – 1.45 pm approx – lunch – see below

Afternoon 2.00 pm Browns Bay, Islandmagee

Google Larne, BT40 3RU 54.852446, -5.762974 – V62P+XW Larne

Public transport: the Beach Road site is a short walk from Whitehead Railway Station – there should be sufficient car space to get you on to Browns Bay and back to Whitehead. Contact Belfast Geol Soc secretary at belfastgeologists@live.co.uk if you need help with public travel arrangements.

Facilities: there are toilets in Whitehead at Castleview Pavillion (Q74R+9G Carrickfergus) and at Browns Bay car park (Portaloo type).

Lunch: easiest to lunch in Whitehead – picnic tables at Beach Road for those with a pack lunch or a short walk takes you to a choice of cafes etc near the railway station and Kings Road areas – 5min walk from Beach Road.

Accessibility:

Whitehead: we will be staying on paths and surface tracks.

Browns Bay: we will on paths and the sandy beach.

Hiking shoes or boots are recommended.  Dress accordingly for the weather. 

garages, and there are electric car chargers in Blacklion.  We will divide the day into two parts, with the lunch break at the car park and facilities.