Kealcup Plantation

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire Craven

England

Kealcup Plantation

Mastiles Lane dropping towards Mastiles Gate Walled lanes make for an extra degree of freedom for the dog, not available when the fell is open and occupied by grazers, but beyond Mastiles gate at the junction of walls seen ahead, the lead will be back on and the walk will get slower. Most of the sheep on the fell ahead are in a large group (just out of view on the right) where a load of hay has just been dropped for them, but south of the track they are more randomly dotted about. The gate is at a slight low point in the lane (about 380m) before it climbs back 20m to the next rise. — Mastiles Lane dropping towards Mastiles Gate Credit: Andy Waddington

Kealcup Plantation is a sprawling woodland located in the picturesque county of Yorkshire, England. Situated amidst the tranquil beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, this plantation covers a vast area of land and is renowned for its lush greenery and diverse flora.

The plantation boasts an impressive variety of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense and captivating forest canopy. The woodland floor is carpeted with an array of wildflowers and ferns, adding to the plantation's natural charm.

Kealcup Plantation is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. It offers numerous walking trails that wind through the enchanting forest, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings. The plantation is also home to a rich wildlife population, including deer, squirrels, and a plethora of bird species, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kealcup Plantation holds historical significance. The plantation has been carefully managed and preserved for generations, with its origins dating back to the Victorian era. The area was once used for timber production, and remnants of old sawmills can still be found within the woodland.

Overall, Kealcup Plantation is a hidden gem in Yorkshire, offering a tranquil and immersive experience in nature. Its breathtaking beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace and tranquility amidst the stunning landscape of Yorkshire.

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Kealcup Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.082625/-2.0960185 or Grid Reference SD9365. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mastiles Lane dropping towards Mastiles Gate

Walled lanes make for an extra degree of freedom for the dog, not available when the fell is open and occupied by grazers, but beyond Mastiles gate at the junction of walls seen ahead, the lead will be back on and the walk will get slower. Most of the sheep on the fell ahead are in a large group (just out of view on the right) where a load of hay has just been dropped for them, but south of the track they are more randomly dotted about. The gate is at a slight low point in the lane (about 380m) before it climbs back 20m to the next rise.

Andy Waddington

High Long Ridge

This gently sloping broad pasture is neither high, nor long, and hardly qualifies as a ridge, but drops gently towards the dry valley above Bordley Beck which, after the odd identity change, drains into the River Aire just east of Gargrave. The hill to the right of the photo on Malham Moor has the faint remains of a settlement and field system long predating the modern walls and farms. Being on limestone, the grassland is greener as the soil is noticeably more fertile than in the immediate foreground which provides only a scant living for sheep.

Andy Waddington

Limestone boulders on Tommy Low Pasture

Although there is no bedrock in evidence, the short green grass is indicative that limestone lies close to the surface here, and there are lots of limestone bouders dotted about. The nearest has clearly been used by sheep as shelter from the wind, leading to a "moat" of eroded aoil around it and showing that the soil also contains rocks other than limestone in its matrix. In the middle distance, the group of trees are Kealcup plantation on the NE side of Kealcup Hill.

Andy Waddington

Limestone boulders on Tommy High Pasture

Although the bedrock is concealed by a layer of drift, there are plenty of boulders lying about to indicate that a lot of the local geology is limestone. The one in the immediate foreground has smoothed surfaces and characteristic grooves eroded by humic acids whilst partially buried in the soil. Now exposed, lichen finds it a congenial home. In the distance are Clapham High Mark and Parson's Pulpit, where the underlying limestone is much closer to the surface and forms numerous small outcrops.

Andy Waddington

Mastiles Lane heading west

Having endured a brief spell as a mere bridleway behind the photographer, Mastiles Lane here resumes its status as a byway open to all traffic as it heads for a Roman camp and on towards the public road system near Malham Tarn.

Andy Waddington

Kealcup Laithe

The building has been very well looked after with all mod cons - guttering is not common on such buildings well away from its farm. It looks out across rough grazing below the public bridleway from Smearbottoms Lane to Bordley on the southern slopes of Kealcup Hill. The lone tree in the centre of the view is above Heber Beck within New House Farm National Nature Reserve.

Andy Waddington

Bordley Farms

The hamlet of Bordley consists mainly of two farms, Bordley Green farm (on the left) and Bordley House Farm (on the right). From the perspective of a walker passing by, the farms seem to exist to house two sets of dogs who each compete to drown out the other during one's approach and passage between the buildings. Chickens and a cockerel have no hesitation in joining the fray, so I'm sure none of the human occupants would have heard my own dog's attempts to compete. The muddy approach is by a public bridleway, which can be seen continuing between walls beyond the farms. These are by no means the only rights of way which converge here, there being another bridleway and four separate public footpaths, walkers thereupon no doubt offering many opportunities for canine choir practice.

Andy Waddington

Malham Moor

According to the OS benchmark database there was a benchmark cut into a gatepost at this location. The gateposts have been replaced and are wooden. No benchmark was found.

Mel Towler