Rackinger Wood

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire Craven

England

Rackinger Wood

Mastiles Lane dropping towards Kilnsey Mastiles Lane was the subject of some controversy when the number of off-road vehicles using it was starting to have an adverse impact. Although it is still marked as a Byway Open to All Traffic on the map, it doesn&#039;t seem to remain so for its full length, and even where it is so marked, further west, there is a definite &quot;all motor vehicles prohibited sign&quot;, so I was unsurprised not to meet the sort of continuous procession of trail bikes and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts that one meets on a number of other BOATs in the National Park. Indeed, on an eight mile walk on a breezy day in January, there was one mountain biker and two walkers, apart from myself (and dog). The lane itself continues towards Kilnsey, but the small gate on the right gives onto a public footpath down towards the road junction leading to Coniston bridge - a better parking spot than a village in these times of infectious disease. — Mastiles Lane dropping towards Kilnsey Credit: Andy Waddington

Rackinger Wood is a picturesque forest located in the county of Yorkshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, it is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The wood features a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, beech, birch, and pine, creating a stunning tapestry of colors throughout the seasons. The forest floor is carpeted with a variety of wildflowers, such as bluebells and primroses, adding to its natural beauty.

Tranquil streams and small ponds meander through the woodland, providing a serene atmosphere and supporting a rich ecosystem. These water features attract an array of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, rabbits, and a wide range of bird species, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

Rackinger Wood offers an extensive network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the forest at their own pace. The paths meander through different sections of the wood, offering varying levels of difficulty, from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes. Along the trails, there are several designated picnic areas and benches, providing opportunities to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The wood is also home to an education center, where visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna through informative exhibits and interactive displays. The center also organizes guided tours and educational programs for schools and community groups.

Overall, Rackinger Wood in Yorkshire is a natural gem, offering a diverse and enchanting forest experience for all who visit.

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Rackinger Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.09334/-2.046949 or Grid Reference SD9766. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mastiles Lane dropping towards Kilnsey

Mastiles Lane was the subject of some controversy when the number of off-road vehicles using it was starting to have an adverse impact. Although it is still marked as a Byway Open to All Traffic on the map, it doesn't seem to remain so for its full length, and even where it is so marked, further west, there is a definite "all motor vehicles prohibited sign", so I was unsurprised not to meet the sort of continuous procession of trail bikes and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts that one meets on a number of other BOATs in the National Park. Indeed, on an eight mile walk on a breezy day in January, there was one mountain biker and two walkers, apart from myself (and dog). The lane itself continues towards Kilnsey, but the small gate on the right gives onto a public footpath down towards the road junction leading to Coniston bridge - a better parking spot than a village in these times of infectious disease.

Andy Waddington

Mastiles Lane heading for Wharfedale

From the great publicity that once attended the supposed degradation of this "green lane" by overusage of motor vehicles, I had expected something a great deal softer and grassier underfoot than this well-compacted hard track. I was already beginning to feel that wellies had been an unnecessary choice for such a route march with barely enough puddles to keep the dog hydrated. The edge of the grid square is just shy of the 423m high point of the lane as it passes over a col on Holgates Kilnsey Moor, so the view looks back on almost the sum total of the ascent.

Andy Waddington

Looking to the settlement above Cow Close Wood

The immediate foreground is a path leading vaguely from the public bridleway above Height Laithe towards Height House. The hill beyond is marked with two antiquities, a "Settlement" and a "Hut circle and enclosure". Presumably these are different stages of development of a prehistoric community on the limestone hilltop where there is plenty of stone for building, a good view, and good soil suitable for farming. The more modern farm buildings, having less need for defence, perhaps, favour a more sheltered location below the hill, though today they find themselves on the windward side in a gusty and bitter breeze.

Andy Waddington

Limestone boulders on Malham Moor

Just west of the bridleway from Height Laithe towards Mastiles Lane, just after crossing Malham Moor Lane, a vague track diverges to loop back and rejoin the right of way. From a geographer's point of view, its main benefit is in reaching a position which is assuredly inside the same square as the view to the west over the higher parts of the moor.

Andy Waddington

Limestone Knoll on Malham Moor

The public bridleway from Malham Moor Lane towards Mastiles Lane passes to the west of this limestone knoll which has a marked antiquity on the map, a "Homestead", smaller than a "Settlement" and perilously close to the edge of Threshfield Quarry, which is just over the horizon on the right of the photograph and has removed a huge chunk of the reef knoll. Further away, the cloud is just enveloping the top of Great Whernside beyond Wharfedale in the increasingly bitter westerly wind.

Andy Waddington

Descending from Green Haw Hill

From Malham Moor Lane, the bridleway passes west of Green Haw Hill and descends to the shallow valley followed by Mastiles lane on its way to Kilnsey. A fence replaces the disintegrating drystone wall on the left but will no doubt prove to be a much more ephemeral presence on the fellside, both rotting and rusting unlike the limestone which fits much better into the landscape.

Andy Waddington

Chapel House Lodge

Anthony Parkes

Wharfedale near Kirk Bank

Anthony Parkes

Junction near Kilnsey

Anthony Parkes

Kilnsey Crag

Kevin Waterhouse

Kilnsey, Green Haw Hill

The rivet benchmark is cut into a rock on the east side of the bridleway.

Mel Towler

Kilnsey, Green Haw Hill

There is a rivet benchmark cut into a rock on the east side of the bridleway.

Mel Towler

Kilnsey, Green Haw Hill

The rivet benchmark cut into a large rock is in the centre of the bridleway track.

Mel Towler

Kilnsey, Green Haw Hill

There is a rivet benchmark cut into the large rock in the centre of the bridleway track.

Mel Towler

Kilnsey, Malham Moor

According to the OS benchmark database there was a rivet benchmark cut into a rock on the east side of the bridleway. Various prominent rocks were cleared of grass tufts, but nothing was found.

Mel Towler