Stansfield Moor

Downs, Moorland in Yorkshire

England

Stansfield Moor

Orchan Rocks Rocky outcrop.
Orchan Rocks Credit: Stephen Shaw

Stansfield Moor, located in the county of Yorkshire, England, is a vast expanse of rugged and picturesque landscape that is predominantly characterized by its downs and moorland. Spanning over several square miles, this area is renowned for its natural beauty, providing a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The moorland of Stansfield Moor is marked by its open, rolling hills, interspersed with patches of heather and grasses, creating a rich tapestry of colors throughout the seasons. The area is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including heathland birds such as curlews and lapwings, as well as rare insect species like the emperor moth.

The downs of Stansfield Moor offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, with their gentle slopes and expansive vistas. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the well-maintained footpaths that crisscross the area, taking in the sweeping panoramas and the tranquility of the natural surroundings. It is not uncommon to encounter grazing sheep or cattle along these paths, adding to the rural charm of the landscape.

Stansfield Moor is also of historical significance, with remnants of ancient settlements and burial grounds dating back to the Bronze Age. These archaeological sites provide valuable insights into the area's past and offer a glimpse into the lives of its early inhabitants.

Overall, Stansfield Moor in Yorkshire is a captivating destination that showcases the raw beauty of the region's downs and moorland. Its unspoiled nature, rich biodiversity, and historical significance make it a must-visit location for those seeking a connection with the natural world and a glimpse into the past.

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Stansfield Moor Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.749556/-2.1156513 or Grid Reference SD9228. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Orchan Rocks Rocky outcrop.
Orchan Rocks
Rocky outcrop.
OS Bench Mark OS cut bench mark from the first, 19th century, levelling, on flat rock close to the trig point. There is no sign of a pivot or rivet. The BM is shown on the 1853 6" OS map but not on subsequent editions, nor on any 25" maps. Marked as 1434.7 feet above old datum
OS Bench Mark
OS cut bench mark from the first, 19th century, levelling, on flat rock close to the trig point. There is no sign of a pivot or rivet. The BM is shown on the 1853 6" OS map but not on subsequent editions, nor on any 25" maps. Marked as 1434.7 feet above old datum
Start of a footpath off Eastwood Road The boardwalk over a sometimes boggy patch within metres of leaving the road was not a good sign, but it had been a fairly dry winter and spring, and the going was good across Bridestones Moor.
Start of a footpath off Eastwood Road
The boardwalk over a sometimes boggy patch within metres of leaving the road was not a good sign, but it had been a fairly dry winter and spring, and the going was good across Bridestones Moor.
Approaching the Bridestones The moor contains several gritstone outcrops generically known as the Bridestones, some of them having individual names. This is the first significant outcrop approaching from the east.
Approaching the Bridestones
The moor contains several gritstone outcrops generically known as the Bridestones, some of them having individual names. This is the first significant outcrop approaching from the east.
The Bottleneck on Bridestones Moor The moor contains several gritstone outcrops generically known as the Bridestones, some of them having individual names. This is perhaps the most distinctive individual rock. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5350930">SD9326 : The Bride Stone, Todmorden</a> shows the other side and another contributor gives us the geological detail at <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4105934">SD9326 : The Bride Stone</a>.
The Bottleneck on Bridestones Moor
The moor contains several gritstone outcrops generically known as the Bridestones, some of them having individual names. This is perhaps the most distinctive individual rock. SD9326 : The Bride Stone, Todmorden shows the other side and another contributor gives us the geological detail at SD9326 : The Bride Stone.
Bridestones triangulation pillar Given a height of 437 or 438 metres on modern maps, though these trig points were more important for their location on plan than the precise elevation.  The 1907 1:2500 map shows it 20 metres further west, a big enough  discrepancy at that scale to suggest it was in fact relocated at some time.
Bridestones triangulation pillar
Given a height of 437 or 438 metres on modern maps, though these trig points were more important for their location on plan than the precise elevation. The 1907 1:2500 map shows it 20 metres further west, a big enough discrepancy at that scale to suggest it was in fact relocated at some time.
West from the Great Bridestones
West from the Great Bridestones
Outcrop above Bridestones Farm The moor contains several gritstone outcrops generically known as the Bridestones, some of them having individual names. This one doesn't seem to have a name, but the farm below has taken the name of the wider group.
Outcrop above Bridestones Farm
The moor contains several gritstone outcrops generically known as the Bridestones, some of them having individual names. This one doesn't seem to have a name, but the farm below has taken the name of the wider group.
Rock outcrop above Bridestones Farm The moor contains several gritstone outcrops generically known as the Bridestones, some of them having individual names. This one doesn't seem to have a name, but the farm below (right of photo) has taken the name of the wider group.
Rock outcrop above Bridestones Farm
The moor contains several gritstone outcrops generically known as the Bridestones, some of them having individual names. This one doesn't seem to have a name, but the farm below (right of photo) has taken the name of the wider group.
Graffito on rock outcrop above Bridestones Farm The text is "A Coy 21st WY Br Home Guard 1940-1944".  The lettering looks surprisingly sharp for an 80-year-old carving in an exposed location.  Maybe the gritstone is hard enough, or perhaps it's been re-cut more recently?

For context, it is on one of the rocks to the right of the group in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7170447">SD9226 : Rock outcrop above Bridestones Farm</a>.
Graffito on rock outcrop above Bridestones Farm
The text is "A Coy 21st WY Br Home Guard 1940-1944". The lettering looks surprisingly sharp for an 80-year-old carving in an exposed location. Maybe the gritstone is hard enough, or perhaps it's been re-cut more recently? For context, it is on one of the rocks to the right of the group in SD9226 : Rock outcrop above Bridestones Farm.
Approaching Eleanor's Wood A conifer wood above Todmorden.
Approaching Eleanor's Wood
A conifer wood above Todmorden.
Track above Eleanor's Wood The track is a public footpath and in the other direction gives access to Hudson Clough Farm.
Track above Eleanor's Wood
The track is a public footpath and in the other direction gives access to Hudson Clough Farm.
Redmires Water above Eleanor's Wood Only a very small beck at this point.
Redmires Water above Eleanor's Wood
Only a very small beck at this point.
Redmires Water through  Eleanor's Wood The conifer wood has been planted either side of the beck.
Redmires Water through Eleanor's Wood
The conifer wood has been planted either side of the beck.
Path into Eleanor's Wood The public footpath predates the planting of the wood, and an old gate has been replaced with a wooden stile.
Path into Eleanor's Wood
The public footpath predates the planting of the wood, and an old gate has been replaced with a wooden stile.
Wall over Redmires Water What looks like a footbridge is in fact just an arch within an old field boundary wall.
Wall over Redmires Water
What looks like a footbridge is in fact just an arch within an old field boundary wall.
Track over Redmires Water A small stone arch bridge carries a bridleway called Stoney Lane over the beck.
Track over Redmires Water
A small stone arch bridge carries a bridleway called Stoney Lane over the beck.
Stony Lane beyond Redmires Water
Stony Lane beyond Redmires Water
Show me another place!

Stansfield Moor is located at Grid Ref: SD9228 (Lat: 53.749556, Lng: -2.1156513)

Division: West Riding

Unitary Authority: Calderdale

Police Authority: West Yorkshire

What 3 Words

///codes.resting.polka. Near Cornholme, West Yorkshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.749556,-2.1156513
Stansfield Moor
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 53.7483079/-2.1180223
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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