Geology and structure Cemaes Head

contorted strata on cliffs @ cemaes head



seen across teifi estuary, headland of cemaes head behind poppit sands beach

although headland, when viewed across teifi estuary, relatively unspectacular, cliffs, dramatic on north-western side, , reach on 575 ft (175m) in height, highest in pembrokeshire. makes bays below cliff tops largely inaccessible. bedrock composed of silurian , (mostly) ordovician sedimentary rocks, more of llanvirn-caradoc black mudstone, i.e. 470 million years old. rock stretches southwest far newport, cemaes head lies north of ceibwr bay fault, runs largely wsw – ene ceibwr bay cardigan.

these rocks severely twisted , buckled, acute folds, feature seen clifftops, though appreciated better sea. soft composition of these sedimentary rocks means erosion sea through hydraulic action, abrasion , attrition commonplace, , largely unsuitable climbing.

in 1840, george nicholson in cambrian traveller s guide, , pocket companion, wrote :

the coasts on each side of mouth of river uncommonly grand, particularly on pembroke side, rises cemmaes head, promontory of immense elevation.

the highest part of headland, @ pengarn (189m / 620 ft), grid reference sn 13214 48500, marked pillar trig point (ref. 2097).

on western side of headland, @ foot of cliffs, stony beach area called traeth godir coch exposed @ low water.

the western side of headland exposed full force of south-westerly atlantic weather; eastern side sheltered.

the whole headland north of hamlet of cippyn distinctive area; there absence of trees , extent hedges; fields have stony boundary banks; properties small, , there general absence of modern development.