Coldstones Cut, Greenhow

A couple of weeks ago we headed for Pateley Bridge for dinner with some friends. We decided to stop off at Coldstones Cut because although I tell all my guests to call in there if passing we had never managed to get there!

Coldstones Quarry is situated on Greenhow Hill at 1400 feet above sea level and is one of the highest quarries in Britain.  Several small limestone quarries operated around Greenhow over the last two centuries and in the early 1900s the surrounding hills were dominated by stone quarries.
Gradually these closed until Coldstones became the last working quarry in the area. Operated by Hanson,it provides aggregates and asphalt for
major construction projects across the U.K.

 Despite its huge size, the quarry is hidden from view by its location and by a protective earth bund.
 In 2006, following changes to the quarry boundaries, it was decided to replace a simple existing viewing platform with something more lasting and to provide a significant piece of public art  so Hanson Aggregates offered a design commission to Andrew Sabin.

The bottom picture shows a view over Nidderdale. Nidderdale is on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales and is part of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Definately worth a visit!