Geoclastica
Geoclastica
5
About
Bude Geological Walks are led by Dr Roger Higgs (DPhil Oxon 1986), who has travelled the world for 30 years as a consultant geologist and continues to do so. In the 1980s Roger studied the spectacular Bude cliffs for his doctoral thesis, and now chooses to live here, 300 yards from the Atlantic surf, running his one-man consultancy Geoclastica Ltd. 'Bude Geo-Walks' operate all year (except when Roger is called overseas), departing on Thursdays at 2pm from Bude Tourist Information Centre. These fascinating 2-hour guided strolls examine Bude’s dramatic cliffs, made of hard sandstone and mudstone beds, zig-zag folded by England colliding with France 300 million years ago, before dinosaurs existed. Geo-Walkers learn how these beds were first deposited as soft sand and mud in tropical “Lake Bude”, home to Bude’s own unique fossil fish, Cornuboniscus budensis, unique in the world and now on display in Bude Castle museum. Bespoke private Geo-Walks are also available, in English or Spanish.
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5.0
43 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Joe M
1 contribution
Apr 2019 • Friends
Roger gave the four of us a very interesting succinct story of the geology of the earth, when living things appeared, why a fossil fish was only found in Bude, the History of the Bude canal, the folding of the coastal rocks and much more, he is very personable and welcomes interactive questions from his guest geo walkers. We had little geological knowledge and he patiently explained everything clearly. Highly recommended
Written 25 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe, thank you for these very kind words and for taking the time to write them! I am so glad that you all enjoyed yourselves. Best wishes from Roger
Written 3 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Georgia P
1 contribution
Sep 2018 • Friends
Spent a brilliant 3 hours walking around Bude learning about the rocks. Owe did a private tour and was so much fun.
Written 28 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much Georgia! It's an extra bonus to receive a review from a younger person like yourself. I hope the horses (and the maths) are fine over there in lovely Ireland! Please give my regards to your mum and thank her for bringing you both on a private 'Bude GeoWalk'. Best wishes from Roger
Written 17 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ronaldo
Oxford, UK9 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
We booked the private tour so that we could bring 2 children and a dog, along with 4 adults. Roger connected very quickly with everyone, and his enthusiasm and passion rubbed off on us all. The tour was one of the highlights of our holiday and I would recommend it to anyone.
Written 27 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald, thank you so much for this very kind review. Please give my love to Oxford! Best wishes from Roger
Written 17 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ceri H
Guildford, UK12 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
A great walk around Bude. Not too far to walk but lots of interesting information and things to see. We were in a group of 16 and it was easy to listen and ask questions.
Written 25 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ceri, thank you very much! I hope to see you again on a future Bude GeoWalk. There are always new things to find and investigate! Regards from Roger
Written 17 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
marywel4d
Cornwall, UK1 contribution
Apr 2018 • Friends
I can't believe i have lived in Bude for so long and have never done this before - we organised a private walk for 14 people, who were visiting Bude on a retreat.
On the feedback forms everyone commented how amazing it was so i speak for myself and 14 others - incredible
On the feedback forms everyone commented how amazing it was so i speak for myself and 14 others - incredible
Written 3 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Mary. I'm very sorry for my late response (until tonight I hadn't checked my TripAdvisor page for months). Thank you so much for this very generous review! I'm looking forward to guiding your next two groups in September. Kind regards from Roger
Written 22 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Connector306201
3 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
We looked at booking a private walk as something different to do with the boys. We weren't sure what to expect but right from the start the tour was engaging and entertaining. Roger was full of energy and excitement and engaged extremely well with both our boys. (We now have a large collection of rocks that we had to drag back from Cornwall.) Roger even took time later to email us with information regarding some things from the tour. We would highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to enjoy a lovely walk in a beautiful little town while learning something and getting a deeper understanding of the world around us. As my boys said afterwards 'rocks are so cool!'
Written 18 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear B, thank you very much for booking a private 'Bude Geo-Walk' and for giving me such generous praise. With parents like you and K, your two very bright young lads will go far. I'm so glad that you all enjoyed Bude too. I've travelled the world but never found anywhere I like better. Come back soon. Best wishes from Roger
Written 21 October 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ellenzb
London, UK46 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
We loved our afternoon with Roger learning all about the geology of Bude. Our children were also fascinated. Roger was very knowledgeable and interesting to learn from. We really enjoyed doing this tour with him early in our trip and throughout the rest of our stay could appreciate and understand the rock formations. Highly recommend.
Written 29 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen, thank you for your very generous comments, and for coming on a 'Bude Geo-Walk'. Now that you know "rocks can talk", you will enjoy them wherever you travel in the world! Regards from Roger
Written 14 October 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
samantharosesinclair
Aldershot, UK133 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Having a little background information on geology and being fascinated by it, I knew this walk was for me the moment I spotted it on the Bude Tourist Information site. As soon as we arrived in Bude, we went to the centre to book the walk, and I am so glad I did as it was extremely popular and there is a limit on numbers.
The next day a motley crew of us were met outside by Roger the Sedimentary Geologist. He made the tour fascinating and his insights and little bits of information were wonderful. As well as local Bude knowledge and overall geology he had historical facts galore too. He was patient with all in the group and very charming with the only child on the tour (who might I add was knowledgeable and a joy to have when so many children can be distractable)
The walk was not taxing, (there is a slight steep hill which those on heart meds like me may find slow going) and the scenery and of course geology stunning.
I would thoroughly recommend this walk to everyone.
The next day a motley crew of us were met outside by Roger the Sedimentary Geologist. He made the tour fascinating and his insights and little bits of information were wonderful. As well as local Bude knowledge and overall geology he had historical facts galore too. He was patient with all in the group and very charming with the only child on the tour (who might I add was knowledgeable and a joy to have when so many children can be distractable)
The walk was not taxing, (there is a slight steep hill which those on heart meds like me may find slow going) and the scenery and of course geology stunning.
I would thoroughly recommend this walk to everyone.
Written 29 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha, thank you very much for writing such a kind review. I am very glad indeed that you enjoyed coming on a 'Bude Geo-Walk'. Come back to beautiful Bude soon!
Written 14 October 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kidwencha
Somerset, UK5 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
This was an unusual and engaging experience. Roger is an enthusiastic and inspiring practitioner who shares his geological and historical knowledge in an accessible and illuminating way. He caters his delivery to his audience and is a tremendous advocate for the wonders of geology as a whole and the specific allure of the Bude formation in particular. Highly recommended for those with a thirst for learning or desire to encourage budding scientists, geologists and naturalists. A fascinating introduction to the rock bed of our world.
Written 30 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear 'Kidwencha' (I know who you are, but shall preserve your anonymity!), thank you so much for taking the trouble and time to write this extremely kind review. I'm very glad you both enjoyed your Bude Geo-Walk. I note also that you were very happy with Surfer Scott and Paddler Paul. We look forward to seeing you in Bude again! Best regards from Roger Rocks
Written 2 August 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ann a
London, UK1 contribution
Oct 2016 • Family
To be honest ~ I wasn't sure why my daughter dragged me to the Tourist Information building to see 'what was on' in Bude. We had the sea and the sand ~ who could want more.
But then we saw the advertisement for a Geological Walk with Dr. Higgs and we joined up ~ totally 'spur of the moment'.
From the moment we met in the car park, we knew we were in for a great afternoon!
Dr. Higgs was spellbinding ~ we could have listened to him speaking all day. He captured our imagination and was so passionate about his subject that we were totally transported in time. If you want to learn how and why the rocks move and see the miracle of Crystal formations inside the tiniest rocks - this is the trip for you. If you want to see fossils and climb among the rocks - this is a trip for you. If you simply want to listen to and learn about Bude, Cornwall from this amazing Geologist, this is the trip for you.
I have to say that since my trip, I travel everywhere with my magnifying glass (don't worry, it's tiny!) and tell everyone about the different types of rock and the wonders within.
I have to say this trip really has changed how I look at things and at 61 years old ~ I didn't think that could happen. Thank you Dr. Higgs!
But then we saw the advertisement for a Geological Walk with Dr. Higgs and we joined up ~ totally 'spur of the moment'.
From the moment we met in the car park, we knew we were in for a great afternoon!
Dr. Higgs was spellbinding ~ we could have listened to him speaking all day. He captured our imagination and was so passionate about his subject that we were totally transported in time. If you want to learn how and why the rocks move and see the miracle of Crystal formations inside the tiniest rocks - this is the trip for you. If you want to see fossils and climb among the rocks - this is a trip for you. If you simply want to listen to and learn about Bude, Cornwall from this amazing Geologist, this is the trip for you.
I have to say that since my trip, I travel everywhere with my magnifying glass (don't worry, it's tiny!) and tell everyone about the different types of rock and the wonders within.
I have to say this trip really has changed how I look at things and at 61 years old ~ I didn't think that could happen. Thank you Dr. Higgs!
Written 13 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Ann, thank you so much for this extremely kind review of my 'Bude Geo-Walks'. I'm overjoyed that you've fallen in love with rocks and that you now look at the world differently! This is music to my ears. Kind regards from Roger
Written 15 June 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vanessa S
Derby, UK2 contributions
Is it suitable for wheelchairs
Roger H
Bude, UK19 contributions
Hello Vanessa. The usual public Bude Geo-Walk (Thursdays, 2-4pm) involves some steps up and down, and crossing Bude Canal lock gates, awkward but not insurmountable for wheelchair users. On the other hand, I'd be delighted to guide you on a PRIVATE Geo-Walk with no such obstacles, and timed to suit you. Bude Tourist Information Centre (TIC) can even loan you a 'sand chair' with big tyres, handy for the beach. Please phone the TIC or email me directly (I seldom check this TripAdvisor site, hence the 8-day delay in this reply). TripAdvisor does not allow me to give contact details here, but you can easily find them by googling my name and/or Bude TIC. Kind regards from Roger Higgs, owner of Geoclastica Ltd and Bude Geological Walks.
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Claim your listingGEOCLASTICA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Geoclastica
- Geoclastica is open:
- Thu - Thu 14:00 - 16:00
- Hotels near Geoclastica:
- (0.01 mi) This house is a 5 bedroom(s), 2.5 bathrooms, located in Cornwall, England.
- (0.01 mi) A traditional character cottage close to beaches, Bude town centre and the canal
- (0.02 mi) Number 15 The Cresent
- (0.02 mi) Number 15
- (0.03 mi) The Crescent, a beautiful home just 400m walk to beaches and town.
- Restaurants near Geoclastica:
- (0.06 mi) Olive Tree
- (0.09 mi) Brendon Arms
- (0.08 mi) La Bocca Pizza Kitchen
- (0.12 mi) Temple
- (0.09 mi) Tiandi