Dolerite

Scotland's central belt is scattered with dolerite crags. Many of these crags are the result of quarrying activity, which continues in some places today. Natural dolerite outcrops also break the surface along the Fife coast and in central Scotland.

Jamming is a feature of many dolerite routes.

Geology

Dolerite is an igneous rock formed below the Earth's surface, a form of basalt, containing relatively little silica (mafic in composition). Dolerite is a medium-grained (hypabyssal) basalt and forms in shallow intrusions, such as dykes, which cut across the rock strata, and sills, which push between beds of sedimentary rock. When exposed at the surface, dolerite weathers into spherical lumps.

Where to Climb on Dolerite in Scotland

• Auchinstarry Quarry
• Rosyth Quarry
• North Third, Central Outcrops
• Ratho Quarry
• The Hawkcraig, Fife
• Neist on Skye