Wales is one of the United Kingdom’s four countries, with a population of ~3M and an area of 21.000 km2 . Wales has been the stomping ground of some of Britain’s most notable geologists, including Darwin and Lyell. The Ordovician and Silurian eras are named after ancient Welsh tribes. Cambria is the Latin name for ‘Cymru’ (Wales), where Britain’s Cambrian rocks are best exposed.

The St.David’s Head intrusion is one of two major layered intrusions in Wales. It is of Ordovician age, and measures ~3km 2 in surface exposure, with a stratigraphic thickness of up to 570m. The intrusion contains a well exposed chilled margin, as well as layered ol-gabbroic to dioritic cumulates that are locally deformed. There is also a sandwich horizon featuring pegmatoids.

In association with the Wager and Brown Symposium and IPS 2023, a field excursion to St. David’s will take place on 30 June and 1 July, 2023. The excursion is reserved for delegates of the Wager and Brown Symposium (taking place after the field trip at Cardiff University). During the trip we will visit the intrusion, and the 6 th century St.David’s cathedral, birthplace of Welsh Christian spiritualism.

The field trip will start and end in front of the National Museum Wales, Cardiff (around the corner from Cardiff University). Delegates are responsible for the cost of their meals and should make their own accommodation arrangements for the night of 30 June (St. David’s has several Inns and hotels). Prices are typically ~70-100£ pp, but can rise sharply if bookings are made late, the cathedral being one of Wales’s major tourist attractions. Budget accommodation (in bunkhouses) is available for students (students should contact W Maier for info).

The field excursions will involve a ~ 5 km hike (~5-6h in total) along beautiful coastal hills, featuring remnants of an iron age village and a hill side megalithic tomb. The weather in West Wales in summer can be quite warm (up to 25C) but is more variable than in central Europe. Rain is a distinct possibility. All participants should be prepared with good field boots and wet/cold weather clothes. Swimming on White Sands beach (see pic below) is possible.

Numbers on the trip will be capped at 40. The trip will be led by W Maier (Cardiff University). Costs for bus travel will be ~£50. Participants will be responsible for their own costs of accommodation and subsistence. A more detailed circular with guidance and information will follow in due course.