Derbyshire is well known for its extensive exposures of Carboniferous Limestone, which are rich in marine fossils. These rocks commonly contain brachiopods, corals, and crinoids, although the hard limestone can make fossils difficult to extract.
The area also includes fossiliferous Carboniferous marine shales, which can yield a wider range of well-preserved specimens. Numerous outcrops, cuttings, and quarry sections provide access to these deposits across the region.
Derbyshire remains an important inland location for Carboniferous fossils and is also historically associated with mineral deposits, including the well-known Blue John.
Castleton’s Carboniferous reef limestone contains crinoids, brachiopods and corals, while its caves are famous for Blue John fluorite. This walk links Treak Cliff, Blue John Cavern and the foot of Mam Tor, revealing a remarkable change from ancient reef to younger shale and sandstone. Enjoy the fossils and minerals where they lie: this is a place for looking and photographing, with no hammering or collecting. Carboniferous, Outcrops, Rating: ♦♦♦
Monsal Dale offers a scenic walk among Carboniferous limestone and chert, with crinoid fragments and other marine fossils visible in the rock. The valley also preserves an unusually varied record of coral beds, submarine slumping and ancient lake deposits. Visit for observation and photography, follow the public paths and leave fossils and stone in place. Carboniferous, Outcrops, Rating: ♦♦♦
The steep outline of Parkhouse Hill near Earl Sterndale reveals a Carboniferous reef margin shaped by later faulting and erosion. Brachiopods, corals and crinoid fragments can be seen in its limestone. This protected hill is a place for looking and photographing: leave fossils in place, follow permitted routes and keep clear of steep faces and summit drops. Carboniferous, Outcrops, Rating: ♦♦♦
A small wooded quarry near Holymoorside preserves plant fragments in Carboniferous sandstone. The rock belongs to the Wingfield Flags, a named sandstone unit within the Pennine Lower Coal Measures Formation. Stem debris is more characteristic than complete leaves. Follow the public path, keep clear of the unstable face and obtain the landowner’s permission before entering the quarry or collecting. Carboniferous, Disused Quarry, Rating: ♦♦
Marsh Brook exposes Carboniferous marine shale with recorded goniatites and bivalves. The documented fauna places these beds in the Kinderscoutian interval of the Namurian. Many shells are flattened, and their original bed matters when identifying them. Follow the public path and obtain the landowner’s permission before leaving it, entering the brook or collecting; water and bank conditions can make the exposures unsafe. Carboniferous, Stream Embankment, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
West Quarry, also called Coal Hills West Quarry, exposes fossil-rich Eyam Limestone at the National Stone Centre near Wirksworth. Crinoid debris and brachiopods record a Carboniferous sea on the edge of the Derbyshire limestone platform. Visit to observe and photograph fossils, leave all rocks in place, and keep well away from quarry faces and the sudden drop into the lower workings. Carboniferous, Disused Quarry, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
Stone Edge Plantation preserves traces of former coal and clay workings, with plant-bearing Coal Measures shale reported from loose mine spoil. Fossils were uncommon and often poorly preserved in the original visit. Because old mine workings can be dangerous, remain on the public path, avoid shafts and disturbed ground, and obtain permission before any off-path visit or collecting. Carboniferous, Spoil, Rating: ♦♦
