Giant's Causeway secures spot as one of seven natural UK wonders
Hmmmm...I 'wonder' why š¤£
Last updated 25th May 2021
Today, the Seven Natural Wonders of the UK have been revealed - a list of natural landmarks that are unified by their shared beauty, uniqueness, and geological significance.
The Seven Wonders highlight the finest work of Mother Nature on these shores.
This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site exists thanks to a volcano that erupted some 50 to 60 million years ago.
Selected by experts at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) in partnership with outdoor brand Merrell, the natural beauty spots named include Pistyll Rhaeadr, the Jurassic Coast and of course, the Giant's Causeway.
Results from their survey suggests that the pandemic has made the public more open to UK travel with 44% stating they were more open to exploring unfamiliar places in the UK, more than they were before.
Mary-Ann Ochota, TV Presenter and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) said:
"This list will have a couple of sites that might be familiar, but thereās also likely to be some hidden gems that you might never have heard of. These seven locations are really extraordinary ā I think most of us would be amazed to learn that theyāre right here in our own country."
"From sculpted limestone valleys, to steep mountains that overlook Ice Age landscapes, to sea stacks, foaming waterfalls and cliffs that hold the bones of dinosaurs ā if you thought geology was boring, get ready to think again!"
Check out the full list of incredible UK Wonders:
Wastwater, Lake District
Surrounded by some of the Lake District's tallest mountains, Wastwater lies in one of the wildest and most dramatic valleys of the National Park. The valley of Wasdale was created by Ice Age glaciers carving out U-shaped hollows in the hard volcanic rocks. Although the Ice Age began about 2.4 million years ago, it was the latest period of intense cold, about 10,000 years ago, that caused the striking features seen today in the Lake District.
Giantās Causeway, Northern Ireland
The Giant's Causeway lies on the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. The geological features of the Causeway were formed around 50-60 million years ago, when the Antrim Coast was subjected to intense volcanic activity. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 due to it being 'a spectacular area of global geological importance.'
Dovedale, Peak District
Located in the Peak District, Dovedale is a stretch of the Dove Valley where the Dove River tumbles through impressive limestone ravines. The limestone rock of Dovedale and the wider Peak District consists of the fossilised remains of marine life from the Carboniferous period, 350 million years ago when the area was underneath a shallow tropical sea.
The Needles, Isle of Wight
The Needles form the western tip of a backbone of chalk that crosses the centre of the Isle of Wight, with three distinctive, jagged, chalk stacks that extend into the sea. However, the fourth and taller, needle-like stack that gave its name to these rocks, known as 'Lot's Wife', collapsed during a storm in 1764.
Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 due to the global importance of its rocks, fossils and geological landforms, the Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile stretch of coast from Orcombe Point in Exmouth, Devon to the Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage in Dorset. The site provides an almost continuous sequence of rock formations covering the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, known collectively as the Mesozoic Era.
Loch Coruisk & the Cuillins
Loch Coruisk, meaning 'Cauldron of Waters' in Scottish Gaelic, is an in-land, freshwater loch situated in the heart of the Cuillins on the Isle of Skye. Following a visit to Dunvegan Castle, Sir Walter Scott visited Loch Coruisk in 1814, describing it as 'that dread lake' in his poem 'The Lord of the Isles'.
Pistyll Rhaeadr, Wales
At 240 ft tall Pistyll Rhaeadr is one of Britain's highest waterfalls. Situated just inside the Welsh border the waterfall is formed from streams originating in the Berwyn Mountains, falling in three stages to form the Afon Rhaeadr below.
Read more:
What will the weather be like this bank holiday weekend?
NI's best play parks for adventurous kids this summer
Outdoor attractions across Northern Ireland kids are going to love this summer