This book explains to the hillwalker, in easy to understand but accurate terms, how geology has shaped the landscape of South Wales. A selection of 16 guided walks is used to illustrate this in terms of what can be seen on the ground. The hills, valleys and coasts of South Wales are some of Britain's most celebrated and iconic landscapes. The coasts of Gower and Pembroke, and the shapely peaks of the Brecon Beacons are especially popular. These varied landscapes reflect a highly diverse geology. From the rolling hills of Mid and West Wales, the spectacular heights of the Brecon Beacons, the rocky outcrops of Fforest Fawr and Mynydd Du, the valleys and moors of 'the coalfield', to the delightful scenery of the southern and western coasts - each has its own fascinating geological story to tell. This book is for the walker who sets out among these hills and coasts and who wants to learn a bit more about the forces that forged this landscape. The first part is an account of the geological history of South Wales, while the second contains 16 walks where you can see evidence of the geology, along with some of the most outstanding scenery of the region.
The author has concentrated on what you can see as you walk around the hills, pointing to conspicuous, easily seen features in rocks and the overall shape of the terrain in accounting for the present day landscape.Also in this Rock Trails series by Paul Gannon are Lakeland, Peak District, Scottish Highlands and Snowdonia.