Porthgain Fossil Collecting and Geological Guide to Wales and thousands of photos

Fossils and fossil collecting in
Porthgain, South West Wales
Location summary information for collecting fossils in Porthgain, Wales

Porthgain

Porthgain bay is eroded out of Ordovician shales, with the headlands on either side of it being composed of more resistant igneous rocks. Although huge dumps of the shale can be found on the cliff top, fossils are sparse.

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Location Information
	There is a vast quantity of shale to look over, but fossils are very infrequent. The location is extremely beautiful however and the village has a fascinating history of exploiting the local rocks for road stone, roofing tiles and brick making etc. The most striking legacies of this industry are the huge brick-built hoppers that are situated adjacent to the harbour.
	(Suitable for older Children) The walk up to the fossil hunting area is short but the steps that must be climbed are steep. The shale dumps stretch right up to the cliff edge, which is unguarded, so it is advised that younger children are restricted to the path.
	*Free parking can be found in the centre of the village. Local shops and businesses are nearby, as are public conveniences. The walk to the fossil hunting area is short but steep at the steps.*
	Loose material, quarry waste. The piles of shale found at Porthgain are another reminder of the Village’s industrial past. They are quarrying waste from its roof tiling phase which occurred between 1850 and 1910.
ACCESS RIGHTS	Conservation area. Please treat the old buildings with respect.

Grid Reference

British National Grid	SM 81212 32504
Degrees	51.94788°N, 5.18499°W

! IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES !

The biggest danger at Porthgain is the proximity of the shale piles to the edge of the cliff. It can be windy here also, so don’t go too near the edge. Mobile phones may not have a signal at this location. It is therefore especially important that you tell someone where you are going and what time you’ll be returning.

View full Porthgain Fossil Guide