AbstractArenig sandstones, grits and conglomerates rest unconformably on pre‐Cambrian rocks (the Mona Complex) and are of variable thickness and facies. Higher Arenig and Llanvirn shales, grits, conglomerates, shaly breccias and ironstones are related to contemporaneous fault movements, with abundant slump structures and rare turbidites. A pre‐Caradoc break in sedimentation was followed by deposition of shales, cherty shales, sandstones, breccias and conglomerates on Llanvirn, Arenig and pre‐Cambrian rocks. The Carmel Head Thrust acted as a major line controlling sedimentation, with upthrow to the north. Lower Silurian graptolitic shales at Parys Mountain rest on an acid volcanic group of Caradoc (?