This conical shaped hill rises sharply to 187m (613 feet). Geologically, the Law is a Lower Carboniferous volcanic plug, composed of phonolytic trachyte. The cone of the volcano consisting of lava and ash has worn away leaving this column of hard igneous rock made from magna which is molten rock. .
During the last two million years the present conical shape was formed as a result of the action of glaciers which scoured out the soft sedimentary rock leaving this harder volcanic rock as such a distinctive landmark.
At one time East Lothian was buried under hundreds of metres of thick ice which gradually moved eastwards.
The Law is topped by an archway formed from a whale jawbone. The present jaw bone is a replica of the original. There is also the remains of a signalling station used during the Napoleonic wars.
A footpath winds its way to the top and is about ¾ mile long. The ascent is quite steep and therefore it should only be attempted by those who are reasonably fit.
This Earthcache is placed with the kind permission of the Countryside ranger for East Lothian Council.
In order to claim this Earthcache you must:
1. Have a photograph taken of you holding up a piece of paper with your caching name there on, at the whale bone on top of The Law.
2. Answer the questions below:
(a) in which year was the first whale jawbone erected
(b)What did the ice shape ‘The Law’ into? and
(c) how many million years ago was this volcano active?