Product Description

This book explains to the hillwalker, in easy to understand but accurate terms, how geology has shaped the landscape of Snowdonia. A selection of thirteen guided walks are used to illustrate this in terms of what can be seen on the ground.This book, divided into two parts, is intended to help those who love Snowdonia's mountain scenery to understand how this haunting landscape came about. The first half narrates the story of colliding continents, volcanoes, mountain-building and glaciations in creating Snowdonia, explaining why volcanoes occurred, the rocks they created and how to interpret signs of mountain-building and glaciations on the ground. The second half describes several recommended walks, of differing levels of difficulty, but all with a wide variety of geological features to be seen and, most important, enjoying consistently fantastic views of the very best of Snowdonia's wonderful scenery.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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26583 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

TGO Magazine, May 2008
Gannon aims squarely at the walker .. everything about the book is very well thought through and easy to follow.

From the Author
Readers and potential readers of this book will find it worthwhile to check out my website for updates and corrections, and also larger versions of some of the photos. Samples from the book and a download option for a 'bonus walk' are available on the pesda press website.

About the Author
Paul Gannon is a keen hillwalker and a science and technology writer. He is the author of Colossus: Bletchley Park's Greatest Secret, a widely praised account of the birth of the electronic computer as part of World War II code-breaking operations (www.colossus-book.co.uk). He has written for many newspapers, magazines and websites, including the Guardian, the Independent, New Scientist and Times Online. He has also edited several magazines, including Advances Wales, a magazine about innovation in science, engineering and technology in industry and universities in Wales. He has lived and worked, at various times, in North Wales, Swansea, Cardiff, London, The Hague and Brussels.

Customer Reviews

Great little book
Geology for the hillwalker!
As a long term hillwalker in the UK, I've had a cursory interest in geology over the years. I've found geology books so boring; but not this one. The technical aspects of Snowdonia's geology are presented in a very readable (and simplified) way, enhanced by quality diagrams and photos. The second half of the book features 10 proper hill walks, with a geology theme. I can't wait to get back to Snowdonia to try some of these walks out.
Highly recommended to the hillwalker; but probably too brief for the amateur geologist.

Lets you know what you are walking on!
[[ASIN:1906095043 Rock Trails Snowdonia
This book was recommended by a climbing instructor following a conversation 'on the crags' when I said tht I had not been able to 'find' an evening course in geology in the Snowdonia area. I consider it an excellent work and although I have not yet done any of the walks described, I have used it at the main reference point (Padarn) and now am far better informed than at any time in the past 50(ish) years. I live, walk and climb in Snowdonia but have only a sketchy knowledge of the geology. Since receiving this book I have a far greater insight into the geology of the area.
It is ideal for anyone who wants to know just what they are walking/climbing on in Snowdonia and essential reading for prospective Montain Leader candidates in N Wales