Gibbet Hill River Cliffs
Location and Access Information
Grid Reference: SK 651 406
This site is located 1km to the north-east of Radcliffe-on-Trent and comprises the southern, wooded slope of the River Trent. The site is accessible via the public footpath that runs along the top of the river cliffs. Access is from Wharf Lane from the main street in Radcliffe. Parking may be available in the village.
View the site map on Nature on the Map
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Geological Interest
The wooded river cliffs at Gibbet Hill provide intermittent exposure in rocks of Triassic (248-205 million years old) age, which form the solid geology to much of central Nottinghamshire. The sequence comprises sandstones and mudstones deposited on an extensive desert plain across which large rivers intermittently coursed. The hot and arid conditions of the Triassic were responsible for oxidation of iron compounds within the sediments, leading to the formation of the characteristic red colouration of the rocks.
