Bromley residents can explore 2-billion-year-old history on new walking trail

Eleanor Thompson Author 2026-05-22 14:31 2 min read

A narrow winding walking trail through tall, eroded orange rock formations with scattered green bushes.

Contents

Self-guided trail and map access
May half-term library events
Geological heritage and education

Bromley families and outdoor enthusiasts can now access a new self-guided walking trail connecting 19 ancient geological landmarks across the borough. The Millennium Rocks, originally installed in 2000, offer a unique look at Earth’s deep past, with a downloadable map now available for those looking to explore local parks and public spaces this May.

Self-guided trail and map access

The trail guides walkers through a network of sites featuring Lewisian Gneiss boulders. These massive stones were originally sourced from Lochinver in northwest Scotland and gifted to the borough by The Highland Council. Residents can obtain the official walking map online via the council website or pick up a free printed copy at any local library.

The project, a collaboration between the Ravensbourne Geological Society and Bromley council, serves as a permanent outdoor museum. While many residents pass these stones daily, their geological significance dates back two billion years—predating the earliest dinosaurs by over one and a half billion years.

Bromley residents can explore 2-billion-year-old history on new walking trail

May half-term library events

To coincide with the trail’s promotion, several Bromley libraries are hosting themed activities for children during the May half-term. These sessions focus on geology, archaeology, and creative engagement with the borough’s ancient heritage.

Orpington Library: Rock painting, Tuesday 26 May, 10:00am – 11:00am.
Bromley Central Library: Rock painting, Tuesday 26 May, 2:15pm – 3:15pm.
Hayes Library: Rock painting, Tuesday 26 May and Thursday 28 May, 2:30pm.
Hayes Library: Geology and archaeology session with local historian John Keefe, Tuesday 26 May, 11:00am.
Hayes Library: Special Lego club (building caves and fossils), Saturday 30 May, 2:15pm.

Geological heritage and education

Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, noted the incredible age of the boulders, encouraging residents to use the trail as a gateway to exploring the borough’s wider green spaces. The initiative builds on a legacy that began with the distribution of 50,000 rock samples to local schoolchildren when the stones were first installed to link science with the local landscape.

The Lewisian Gneiss used in the project represents some of the oldest rock formations found in Britain. By following the trail, explorers can see how these ancient fragments of the Scottish Highlands have been integrated into the suburban landscape of South East London. For further details on the locations of all 19 rocks, residents can contact the Head of Public Affairs, Andrew Rogers.

Source: Bromley Council