Slate Pit Hill

Hill, Mountain in Yorkshire

England

Slate Pit Hill

Blackstone Edge Reservoir crossed by power lines Credit: Colin Pyle

Slate Pit Hill is a prominent hill located in the county of Yorkshire, England. Situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it stands at an elevation of approximately 450 meters (1476 feet) above sea level. This natural beauty is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers.

The hill gets its name from the abundance of slate rocks that can be found on its slopes. These slate deposits have been used for centuries in the local area for building materials, roofing, and even as writing tablets in the past. Today, remnants of the old slate mining industry can still be seen around the hill, adding to its historical charm.

From the summit of Slate Pit Hill, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales landscape. Rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and meandering rivers create a stunning backdrop that captures the essence of rural England. On clear days, it is even possible to catch a glimpse of the iconic Three Peaks, which are located a short distance away.

The hill is accessible via several footpaths that wind through the Dales, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. Along the way, they may encounter an array of wildlife, including birds of prey, sheep, and wildflowers that add color to the landscape.

Slate Pit Hill is a true gem in the Yorkshire Dales, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the countryside and connect with nature. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this hill provides an unforgettable experience for all.

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Slate Pit Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.65928/-2.0231443 or Grid Reference SD9818. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Blackstone Edge Reservoir crossed by power lines

Colin Pyle

Bog trotting on Rishworth Moor

On the concessionary path leading to Green Withens. It's been one of the wettest winters on record and the peat is saturated.

michael ely

Fingerpost at Green Withens

michael ely

Approaching Blackstone Edge Reservoir

John Slater

Black Castle Drain

John Slater

Black Castle Drain

John Slater

Gate and footbridge on Soyland Moor

This Yorkshire Water permissive path is still not shown on OS maps. The bridge crosses Black Castle Drain.

John Slater

Ruin on Collin Hill, below Manshead End

This used to be a shooting box

John Slater

Greenwood Clough

David Dixon

The White House and Blackstone Edge Reservoir from the Pennine Way

Looking north from the Pennine Way on Blackstone Edge Moor. The white building is the White House pub and behind it is Blackstone Edge Reservoir.

David Dixon

Blackstone Edge Moor, Broad Head Drain

David Dixon

Stone Bridge over Broad Head Drain, Blackstone Edge Moor

David Dixon

Blackstone Edge Moor

David Dixon

Pennine Way, Broad Head Drain

David Dixon

'Roman' Road over Blackstone Edge

Blackstone Edge Long Causeway also known as Blackstone Edge Roman is a cobbled ‘road’ surface crossing the bleak moorland for about 2 miles along Blackstone Edge on the Lancashire-West Yorkshire border. The road has a deep groove running down the centre. It is a Scheduled monument (List entry Number: 1003746 Link

Historic England). Initially thought to be of Roman Origin, this road is still marked on Ordnance Survey maps as a ‘Roman Road’ but many historians have argued over whether or not the paved road over Blackstone Edge was built by the Romans, with no firm conclusion ever being reached but nowadays the most widely accepted theory is that it is an early turnpike road from circa 1735. Indeed, in 1965 James Leonard Maxim reported the discovery of a medieval pack-horse track that passed under part of the road and that therefore must pre-date it (Maxim, James L., A Lancashire Lion, J.L. Maxim Trustees: Leeds 1965). Others believe that it may be even more modern being constructed in connection with stone gathering or quarrying activity on the moor. It is, however, likely that a Roman road did once cross the Pennines hereabouts before the medieval pack-horse tracks and the 1735 turnpike road were constructed.

David Dixon

The Aiggin Stone

The Aiggin Stone, an irregular block of gritstone approximately 7 feet long, stands alongside the packhorse route marking the county boundary. The stone has a cross and the letters I and T cut into it. Its name is said to derive from the French aiguille for a needle or aigle an eagle. Some suggest that it is Roman in origin (linked to the nearby “Roman” road, others that it’s merely a waymarker, others that it’s a milestone, and the more common notion is that it’s a boundary marker of the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire (its position in the landscape presently sits it in Lancashire). According to a nearby information plate, The Littleborough and District Lions regard it to be “A mediæval guide stone …..some 600 years old” (SD9717 : Aiggin Stone Information). Link

The Northern Antiquarian

David Dixon

Aiggin Stone Information

Small stone tablet positioned near to SD9717 : The Aiggin Stone by the Littleborough and District Lions, declaring the Aiggin Stone to be "A mediæval guide stone for travellers some 600 years old".

David Dixon

Aiggin Stone and Cairn, Blackstone Edge

The Aiggin Stone, an irregular block of gritstone approximately 7 feet long, stands alongside the packhorse route marking the county boundary. The stone has a cross and the letters I and T cut into it. Its name is said to derive from the French aiguille for a needle or aigle an eagle. Some suggest that it is Roman in origin (linked to the nearby “Roman” road, others that it’s merely a waymarker, others that it’s a milestone, and the more common notion is that it’s a boundary marker of the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire (its position in the landscape presently sits it in Lancashire). According to a nearby information tablet (SD9717 : Aiggin Stone Information), The Littleborough and District Lions regard it to be “A mediæval guide stone …..some 600 years old” The cairn is more recent; there is no indication of its significance, it is the largest of several cairns sited on the moorland alongside the Pennine Way in this area.

David Dixon

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Slate Pit Hill is located at Grid Ref: SD9818 (Lat: 53.65928, Lng: -2.0231443)

Division: West Riding

Unitary Authority: Calderdale

Police Authority: West Yorkshire