The Rush Beds

Downs, Moorland in Yorkshire

England

The Rush Beds

Reaps Cross The cross has been vandalized in the past but still has a presence on Reaps Edge high on Heptonstall Moor. — Reaps Cross Credit: Stephen Shaw

The Rush Beds in Yorkshire is a captivating and picturesque area that encompasses both downs and moorland landscapes. Located in the northern region of England, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystem.

The downs of The Rush Beds offer vast open spaces with gently rolling hills covered in lush green grass. These areas provide a perfect setting for leisurely walks or picnics, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The downs are also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including wildflowers and grazing sheep, contributing to the area's rich biodiversity.

In contrast, the moorland of The Rush Beds presents a more rugged and untamed environment. The heather-covered hills stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a stunning purple landscape during the blooming season. This area is known for its unique wildlife, including grouse and curlews, which thrive in the harsh conditions of the moors.

The Rush Beds is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The area's extensive network of trails allows visitors to explore the downs and moorland, providing opportunities to discover hidden gems and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Overall, The Rush Beds in Yorkshire is a remarkable and diverse landscape that showcases the natural beauty of the region. Whether you seek peaceful walks, wildlife encounters, or simply a chance to immerse yourself in nature, this area offers a memorable experience for all who visit.

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The Rush Beds Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.754213/-2.1045171 or Grid Reference SD9328. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Reaps Cross

The cross has been vandalized in the past but still has a presence on Reaps Edge high on Heptonstall Moor.

Stephen Shaw

Reaps Edge

A recently repaired dry stone wall and fence at Reaps Edge.

Rude Health

Public Footpath on Rough Pasture, Heptonstall Moor

Not evident on the ground, but posts lead the way for the footpath between the ruins of Rough Hey to the ruins of Raistrick Greave.

Chris Heaton

Old Wayside Cross on Reaps Edge, Heptonstall Moor, Heptonstall Parish

Reaps Cross, old head, shaft and base, by the wayside, in parish of Heptonstall (Calderdale District), Hepstonstall Moor; Reaps Edge, on moorland overlooking Gorple Lower Reservoir, at junction of paths, re-erected 2002. Grade II Listed. List Entry Number: 1226173 Link

Scheduled Monument. List Entry Number: 1013830 Link

To be surveyed Milestone Society National ID: YWCA_HEP01

B Davey

Old cross

The remains of Reaps Cross on Heptonstall Moor. To the north is Gorple Lower Reservoir. The small plaque says it was reerected in 2002.

Robert Glover

Reap Cross, Heptonstall Moor

Looking W at the remains of Reap Cross.

Mark Anderson

Footpath, Heptonstall Moor

Looking SW along the footpath at the corner of the wall SD 938 302. Raistrick Greave Hill is directly ahead.

Mark Anderson

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

Phil Johnstone

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.

Stephen Craven

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.

Stephen Craven

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.

Stephen Craven

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.

Stephen Craven

West from the Great Bridestones

Stephen Craven

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.

Stephen Craven

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.

Stephen Craven

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.

Stephen Craven