Join me in Scarbados this summer as we go in search of Yorkshire's Jurassic dinosaurs!
More than 165 million years ago, in the middle of the Jurassic period, dinosaurs roamed Yorkshire. How do we know this? Because we find their footprints, fossilized in the Jurassic rocks of the Yorkshire Coast. One of the best places to see them is Scarborough's South Bay, and on this dinosaur-hunting trip, I will show you how to find them.
We will meet outside the historic Rotunda Museum (Google maps location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AAEyaU1AGWm3A1FG9; What3Words location:
https://what3words.com/modern.sculpture.hidden), home to some fabulous fossil footprints, before walking down onto the sands of the South Bay. As we head towards the Jurassic rocks of South Cliff, we'll have a go at walking like dinosaurs, and making our own tracks in the sand.
Once we reach South Cliff, I will explain how to read the rocks, and what they can tell us about Jurassic Yorkshire. This includes learning how to spot the impressions of giant extinct reptiles. Once you've got your eye in, you'll soon be stomping with stegosaurs, sauntering with sauropods, and thundering with theropods!
The walk is suitable for all ages, but especially for would-be palaeontologists aged 6 and over. Under-5s are free, and don't need a ticket, but all 6-16 year-olds need a ticket, and must be accompanied by a paying adult. Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs.
The walk from the Rotunda Museum into South Bay follows public footpaths, with steps down onto the beach at the bottom. Once on the beach, we will walk along a mostly sandy, level surface, though the beach can be wet, and rocks can be slippery. Waterproof shoes with good grip and ankle support are recommended, along with warm, weatherproof clothing. At South Cliff, we leave the beach to follow the Cleveland Way footpath.
(Disclaimer: no dinosaurs can be taken home)
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