Porthgain Fossils and Fossil Collecting
Your SW Wales Geological Guide and Geology Info

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.

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.

Conservation area. Please treat the old buildings with respect.

Other Locations similar to Porthgain

If you like Graptolites, you could also try Stockdale Beck, Stockdale Quarry, Barrow, Causey Pike, Clints Quarry, Coniston, High Fell, Stair Stream, in Cumbria, Abereiddy, Fishguard, Little Haven, Druidston Haven, Porthgain, in Wales, Betton Dingle, Hillend, Hodgson How, Hope, The Onny Trail, Vinnels, in Shropshire.