Peel sandstone

The cliff at the northern end of Peel promenade is comprised of sandstones with a distinctive red colouration typical of sediments deposited on dry land.

Evidence of temporary river channels, dried up lakes and fossilised soils indicate that the climate was semi-arid during their deposition. Unfortunately, these conditions prevented fossils from being preserved and therefore the age of the rocks is uncertain. However, the Peel sandstones bear a similarity to Devonian rocks from other parts of the British Isles implying that they are approximately 380 million years old. This equates with a time when the Isle of Man lay 30° south of the equator similar to the modern day position of South Africa. Although no fossils are preserved, evidence of life is seen in traces of burrows and roots within the sediment.