Coalpit Hill

Hill, Mountain in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Coalpit Hill

Towards the head of East Gill The view looks over Candleseave Sike just beyond the fenceline towards the gathering ground for what will become East Gill once the former stream joins it in the valley below. Most of the moor this side of East Gill is sedge, which makes for much easier walking than heather despite a lack of paths. Occasionally a set of quad-bike tracks provide a line to follow across the moor, but they follow a gamekeeper&#039;s agenda visiting various grouse grit-feeding points, rather than indicating the best line for walkers. They do, however, give a good clue as to the best spot to cross a couple of boggy sections. All in all, this is not a heavily trafficked bit of countryside - I met no-one else until I dropped into the valley bottom of Swaledale (where it became quite crowded) despite this being a pleasant sunny Sunday. — Towards the head of East Gill Credit: Andy Waddington

Coalpit Hill is a prominent geological formation located in Yorkshire, England. Situated in the eastern part of the county, it is part of the Pennine range, known for its rugged and picturesque landscapes. Rising to an elevation of approximately 413 meters (1,355 feet) above sea level, Coalpit Hill is often classified as a hill rather than a mountain due to its relatively modest height.

The hill takes its name from the coal mining activity that once thrived in the surrounding area. During the 18th and 19th centuries, numerous coal pits were established in the vicinity, making Coalpit Hill a significant site for the local mining industry.

Today, Coalpit Hill is known for its natural beauty and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Yorkshire countryside. The hill is covered in lush greenery, with heather and grasses adorning its slopes. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers and nature lovers, who are drawn to its tranquil environment and the opportunity to explore the surrounding trails and footpaths.

The summit of Coalpit Hill provides visitors with an unforgettable vista, overlooking the picturesque villages and rolling hills of Yorkshire. On a clear day, it is even possible to catch a glimpse of the distant Yorkshire Dales National Park to the west.

Coalpit Hill is not only a natural landmark but also serves as a reminder of the region's industrial heritage. Its historical significance, combined with its stunning landscapes, makes it a compelling destination for both locals and tourists alike.

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Coalpit Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.427755/-2.1619484 or Grid Reference NY8903. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Towards the head of East Gill

The view looks over Candleseave Sike just beyond the fenceline towards the gathering ground for what will become East Gill once the former stream joins it in the valley below. Most of the moor this side of East Gill is sedge, which makes for much easier walking than heather despite a lack of paths. Occasionally a set of quad-bike tracks provide a line to follow across the moor, but they follow a gamekeeper's agenda visiting various grouse grit-feeding points, rather than indicating the best line for walkers. They do, however, give a good clue as to the best spot to cross a couple of boggy sections. All in all, this is not a heavily trafficked bit of countryside - I met no-one else until I dropped into the valley bottom of Swaledale (where it became quite crowded) despite this being a pleasant sunny Sunday.

Andy Waddington

Sheepfold in East Gill

Although this sheepfold serves the east side of East Gill, it utilises a loop in the stream to find a spot sheltered from the prevailing westerly weather by the steep eroding bank on the far side. The rocks exposed there are shales of the Stainmore Group of Pendleian age (the earliest substage of the Namurian, Lower Carboniferous) just below the Lower Howgate Edge Grit, above the Crow Chert and corresponding with the Mirk Fell Ganister which occurs somewhat further north and contains quite a bit of coal.

Andy Waddington

East Gill from south of Long Gill

The rather indistinct and intermittent quad bike tracks that form the only guide to the easiest route on the east bank of East Gill have just made a rather precarious and boggy crossing of Long Gill and ascended back onto firm ground. This pile of stones (it hardly qualifies as a cairn) commands a view over East Gill as it cuts down on its way to join the River Swale down a series of waterfalls into the Keld Gorge.

Andy Waddington

Sheepfold by East Gill

Walking back to Keld from Rogan's Seat.

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Fellside wall below Garland Hills

Lovely Seat dominates the backdrop.

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Goods wagon, West Stones Dale

The wagon appears in good condition and seems to be secure.

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Bridleway, West Stones Dale

The bridleway crosses open moorland and it will soon join the Pennine Way.

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Barns and walls, West Stonesdale

The beautiful stone built barns so typical of the dales.

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Wriggly track near Keld

The track wriggles its way down the hill and up the other side.

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Track, Stonesdale

The track acts as a bridleway which takes riders and walkers to join the Pennine Way.

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Fields and barns in Stonesdale

The fields are bound with drystone walls. Drystone walls are built without mortar, and their stability – they can stand for 200 years – is due to the skill of the craftsmen who place rough boulders and angular stones together. Many drystone walls were constructed as part of the enclosure of open grazing. They were especially useful in areas too exposed for hedgerows to survive and where stones were readily available. Most drystone walls are wider at the base than at the crown, and are often capped with coping stones. A typical wall has two outer layers of large, flattish stones enclosing an inner ‘heart’ of smaller, rounder stones. Often it is reinforced with ‘through bands’ of even larger, flat stones which can also be used as stiles. The very dryness of a wall makes it more likely to endure wind and frost and to act as shelter for livestock as well as a boundary.

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