If you've driven between Grassington and Pateley Bridge on the B6265 you've probably seen the castle battlement-style outline of Coldstones Cut on the horizon, and maybe wondered what it is. It's well-worth visiting, especially on a clear day.
Park in the car park next to Toft Gate Lime Kiln. This curious structure tells the story of much of the surrounding landscape. You'll notice plenty of grassy hillocks and curious dimples in the landscape between Toft Gate and Grassington - many of these are remnants of the limestone industry. You'll have noticed the flue stack from the road.
The horizontal long flue still remains so you can see the immense scale of the previous lime kiln. The surrounding hills were rich in limestone which was dug out and then heated by fires in the kiln to make quickline, used in agriculture through out the 19th century. There's a short trail with information panels around the lime kiln, explaining how it worked.
From here, you'll see the footpath curving up the hill to Coldstones Cut. It's not a long walk although it gets a little steep towards the end. It's apparently Yorkshire's biggest and highest public artwork, and is almost impossible to describe or fully photograph! All I can say is that it's definitely worth visiting. Children and adults enjoy exploring it although opinions are split on the first approach to the artwork which bizarrely feels like you're entering a short one way street.
The huge stones were taken from the nearby quarry and are incredibly impressive in their sheer size. There are two sort-of-turrets with narrow paths curving around them until you suddenly emerge and look out - for a fantastic "top of the world" feeling. On a clear day the views are some of the most stunning in the country. There's also a view over the quarry which isn't beautiful but is fascinating. The whole structure was created by artist Andrew Sabin and is a mammoth feat of engineering and building skill,
Once you've admired the views, found the fossils, discovered which direction is Kiev and spotted the local wildlife, walk back down the hill. A few minutes down the hill towards Pateley Bridge is Toft Gate Barn Cafe. I love it! It's got such a fantastic warm and open feel about it, great views and most importantly, excellent cake. Unlike many barn conversions, this one hasn't turned its back on its past and there are plenty of reminders inside of its agricultural heritage. The friendly staff also serve snacks and light meals.
Park in the car park next to Toft Gate Lime Kiln. This curious structure tells the story of much of the surrounding landscape. You'll notice plenty of grassy hillocks and curious dimples in the landscape between Toft Gate and Grassington - many of these are remnants of the limestone industry. You'll have noticed the flue stack from the road.
The horizontal long flue still remains so you can see the immense scale of the previous lime kiln. The surrounding hills were rich in limestone which was dug out and then heated by fires in the kiln to make quickline, used in agriculture through out the 19th century. There's a short trail with information panels around the lime kiln, explaining how it worked.
From here, you'll see the footpath curving up the hill to Coldstones Cut. It's not a long walk although it gets a little steep towards the end. It's apparently Yorkshire's biggest and highest public artwork, and is almost impossible to describe or fully photograph! All I can say is that it's definitely worth visiting. Children and adults enjoy exploring it although opinions are split on the first approach to the artwork which bizarrely feels like you're entering a short one way street.
The huge stones were taken from the nearby quarry and are incredibly impressive in their sheer size. There are two sort-of-turrets with narrow paths curving around them until you suddenly emerge and look out - for a fantastic "top of the world" feeling. On a clear day the views are some of the most stunning in the country. There's also a view over the quarry which isn't beautiful but is fascinating. The whole structure was created by artist Andrew Sabin and is a mammoth feat of engineering and building skill,
Once you've admired the views, found the fossils, discovered which direction is Kiev and spotted the local wildlife, walk back down the hill. A few minutes down the hill towards Pateley Bridge is Toft Gate Barn Cafe. I love it! It's got such a fantastic warm and open feel about it, great views and most importantly, excellent cake. Unlike many barn conversions, this one hasn't turned its back on its past and there are plenty of reminders inside of its agricultural heritage. The friendly staff also serve snacks and light meals.
