Bental Head

Landscape Feature in Yorkshire Harrogate

England

Bental Head

Greenhow village This building on the north side of the road is now a private home, but previously it was the Miners Arms PH. On the lowest course of stone, at the extreme right of this road facing wall is a benchmark. — Greenhow village Credit: Mel Towler

Bental Head is a prominent landscape feature located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, in the county of Yorkshire, England. It is situated near the village of Kettlewell and stands at an elevation of approximately 704 meters (2,310 feet) above sea level.

This natural landmark is characterized by its distinctive shape and rocky outcrop, which can be seen from miles around. Bental Head offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the stunning Wharfedale and Littondale valleys, as well as the rolling hills and moorlands of the national park.

The area around Bental Head is known for its diverse flora and fauna, with an abundance of heather, grasses, and wildflowers covering the hillsides. The rocky terrain provides a habitat for various bird species, including peregrine falcons, buzzards, and kestrels, which can often be spotted soaring above the cliffs.

Bental Head is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering a range of walking trails and footpaths that allow visitors to explore its rugged beauty. The ascent to the summit can be challenging, particularly in adverse weather conditions, but the breathtaking views at the top make it well worth the effort.

The area surrounding Bental Head is rich in history and heritage, with evidence of ancient settlements and farming practices dating back thousands of years. The landscape is dotted with dry stone walls and remains of old mine workings, serving as a reminder of the region's industrial past.

Overall, Bental Head is a remarkable landscape feature that showcases the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Yorkshire Dales, attracting visitors from far and wide to explore its scenic vistas and immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Bental Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.086326/-1.8169812 or Grid Reference SE1265. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Greenhow village

This building on the north side of the road is now a private home, but previously it was the Miners Arms PH. On the lowest course of stone, at the extreme right of this road facing wall is a benchmark.

Mel Towler

Greenhow village

A wider angle showing the private residence on the north side of the road, which previously was the Miners Arms PH. On the lowest course of stone, at the extreme right of this wall facing the road is a benchmark.

Mel Towler

Toft Gate lime kiln

don cload

Coldstones quarry

don cload

Coldstones quarry, north end

don cload

Prosperous Smelt Mill ruins, Merryfield

habiloid

Old guidestone

On the north side of the B6265 Greenhow Hill nearly opposite the entrance to Coldstones Quarry is this old stone. In 2004 it was on nearby Duck Street at SE 114 640. It was reported missing in 2006 but then appeared at its present site in 2013. On each side is the legend 'TO/HARD/CASTLE' with pointing hands. The front face has TO/PATELEY/BRIDGE/TO/SKIPTON with pointing hands. The back (north face) has names defaced but hands pointing left and right. Hard Castle is down a lane to the north so this may be its original site.

Chris Minto

Old guidestone

This is a view of the defaced back of the stone on the B6265 on Greenhow Hill nearly opposite the entrance to Coldstones Quarry. The back has the same style of hand as the other three faces. The stone also has traces of white paint so at some time in its history it had been painted.

Hilary Jones

Old guidestone

In 2005 this old stone was photographed at its site on Duck Street. Looking at the concrete round the base it was fairly newly set up. In 2006 it had disappeared but by 2013 was at its present site on the B6265 at SE 1211 6426. As each side has the legend TO/HARD/CASTLE that must have been where it was set up many years ago.

Chris Minto