Bents Wood

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire South Lakeland

England

Bents Wood

Walking path beside coniferous plantation The walkers are descending on a track over moorland into Garsdale following an ascent to Aye Gill Pike. — Walking path beside coniferous plantation Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Bents Wood is a picturesque forest located in Yorkshire, England. Situated in the heart of the region, it covers an expansive area of land, offering visitors a serene and tranquil environment to explore and enjoy.

The wood is characterized by its dense and diverse vegetation, consisting of a variety of tree species such as oak, beech, and birch. The towering trees provide ample shade and create a captivating canopy, allowing rays of sunlight to filter through and create a beautiful dappled effect on the forest floor.

Bents Wood is renowned for its rich biodiversity, serving as a habitat for numerous plant and animal species. The forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, badgers, and a wide range of bird species. Birdwatchers are particularly drawn to the area, as it offers excellent opportunities for spotting rare and migratory bird species.

The wood is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It boasts a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the forest at their own pace. These trails wind through the wood, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the peaceful ambiance of the natural surroundings.

Bents Wood is not only a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts but also a place of historical significance. The forest has witnessed human activity for centuries and contains remnants of ancient settlements, including burial mounds and archaeological sites. These historical elements add an intriguing layer to the overall experience of exploring the wood.

Overall, Bents Wood in Yorkshire is a captivating destination that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and historical significance. Whether one seeks peaceful solitude, a chance to connect with nature, or a glimpse into the region's past, this enchanting forest has something to offer for everyone.

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Bents Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.314688/-2.4588175 or Grid Reference SD7091. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walking path beside coniferous plantation

The walkers are descending on a track over moorland into Garsdale following an ascent to Aye Gill Pike.

Trevor Littlewood

Valley of Holebeck Gill

The shallow, upper valley of Holebeck Gill heading north to where it will meet the Clough River which drains Garsdale. The Howgill Fells are in the distance beyond both the Clough River and the River Rawthey.

Trevor Littlewood

Gillfeet Gill Ford

This ford is found on the road crossing Gillfeet Gill.

John Walton

Old milestone

This West Riding CC milestone on the A684 is on a narrow verge at Bellow End on the south side of the road. Although now leaning slightly backwards it is set to almost its full height with 20cm of backing stone set into the ground. Going down Garsdale the previous milestone, Hawes 11/Sedbergh 5 is the only one lost from this route which was ceded to Cumbria in 1974. It is Grade II listed 1384040.

Chris Minto

Old milestone

Of the 8 remaining West Riding CC milestones from Ribblehead viaduct to Sedbergh, on the A684, this is the only one with a foundry name. WILLIAM TOWLER/GLOBE FOUNDRY/LEEDS.

Chris Minto

Old milestone

The Hawes 13 milestone on the A684 has its back to a drystone wall near Nether House on the south side of the road. 615 of these milestones were set up for the West Riding County Council in 1893/94 not long after the formation of County Councils. Gill and Frank Stead, stonemasons, of Mirfield won the contract which stated that the work had to be done in 12 months or they would incur a penalty. Considering the size of the West Riding that was a tremendous feat but they succeeded. The WRCC didn't always have stones erected on old tollroads. They wanted to promote new trade routes. It is Grade II listed 1384039.

Chris Minto

Moorland of north-west ridge of Aye Gill Pike

Aye Gill Pike is the high point of a long ridge oriented almost north-west to south east between two valleys, Garsdale and Dentdale. The broad western end of the ridge is seen here, descending towards Sedbergh.

Trevor Littlewood

Western slope of Aye Gill Pike

A faint track runs beside the wall running to the summit of Aye Gill Pike. This path has been well walked before the introduction of open access, but now a number of stiles have been built over the cross walls.

Ray Woodcraft

Bridleway junction

A gate at the junction of two bridleways between Dentdale and Garsdale.

John Illingworth

The slopes of Aye Gill Pike

The track up the fell can be seen to the left of the wall.

John Illingworth

A gateway through the wall

This is where you reach the top of the ridge, and suddenly get views of the Howgills.

Bill Boaden

Climbing to the top of the ridge on Long Moor

Dominating the background is Calf Top with Combe Scar on its side.

Bill Boaden

Stone walls on slopes of Aye Gill Pike

Tom Richardson

Old Milestone by the A684 near Bellow End

Metal plate attached to stone post by the A684, in parish of Garsdale (South Lakeland District), 20m West of Bellow Hill Turn, Thwaite Head Gill, on narrow verge, on South side of road. Sedburgh V iron casting, erected by the County Council in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- : SEDBERGH / 4 MILES : : SEDBERGH & HAWES / ROAD / GARSDALE : : HAWES / 12 MILES : Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1384040 Link

Milestone Society National ID: YW_HWSB12

C Minto

Old Milestone by the A684, Garsdale

Milestone by the A684, in parish of Garsdale (Eden District), Ex. Yorkshire West Riding, near Nether House, back to drystone wall. Inscription reads:- : SEDBERGH / 3 MILES : : SEDBERGH & HAWES / ROAD / GARSDALE : : HAWES / 13 MILES : Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1384039 Link

Milestone Society National ID: YW_HWSB13

Milestone Society