Arkley, S. L. B., Browne, M. A. E., Albornoz-Parra, L. J. and Barron, H. F. 2011. East Dumbartonshire Geodiversity Audit. British Geological Survey Open Report, OR/09/19. 265pp.
EDC 34: Baldow Glen, Lennoxtown
Grid reference: NS 61526, 77489
Site type: Natural section
Site ownership: Not known (Managed by Forestry Commission)
Current use: Private Country (Forestry)
Field surveyor: Mike Browne
Current geological designations: None
Date visited: 14th April 2009
Site map
Summary description
Wooded glen with steep banks revealing exposures mainly of beds of mudstone belonging to the Lower Limestone Formation (and top of the Lawmuir Formation). The Hurlet Limestone seems to have been quarried out (with compacted waste visible) but the underlying Hurlet Coal is exposed showing good cleat (joints).
Thin beds of ironstone and nodules of ironstone occur along with exposure of the Blackhall Limestone which here is crinoidal.
EDC 34: Stratigraphy and rock types
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Lower Limestone Formation Rock type: Sedimentary Rock Cycles of the Clackmannan Group Type Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Lawmuir Formation
Rock type: Sedimentary Rock Cycles of the Strathclyde Group Type
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Blackhall Limestone, Lower Limestone Formation
Rock type: Limestone
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Hurlet Limestone, Alum Shale and Hurlet Coal
Rock type: Limestone, mudstone and coal
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Baldernock Limestone, Lawmuir Formation
Rock type: Limestone
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Balgrochan Beds, Lawmuir Formation
Rock type: Mudstone (marine band)
Assessment of site value
Access and safety
Aspect/Description
Road access and parking Parking possible near Newlands Farm to the SW, walking along forest tracks to the site
Safety of access Walking on forest tracks, then off-path and up to 15 m deep valley. Beware of felling
Safety of exposure Low risk of rock fall, possible slips on steep valley sides and deep boggy patches.
Permission to visit None sought
Current condition Okay
Current conflicting activities Forest felling,
Restricting conditions None known
Nature of exposure Stream section
Culture, heritage & economic
Historic, archaeological & literary associations None known. Rating: 0.
Aesthetic landscape. Rating: 2.
History of earth sciences None known. Rating: 0.
Economic geology Coal and limestone workings. Rating: 4.
EDC 34: Geoscientific merit
Total Geoscientific merit score 45
Current site value
Community. Rating: 8.
Education Relevant to anyone interested in coal, mudstone and ironstone as minerals. Rating: 3.
Fragility and potential use of the site
Fragility Weathering and erosion only
Potential use Guided walk
Geodiversity value
Access is a limiting factor (from informal bike trail) but ok for looking at lithologies described under education. Rating: 6.