A Dales High Way

New life at Craven Limeworks

Work is now well under way to bring new life to a fascinating "hidden" Victorian industrial site just south of Stainforth.

Walkers on a Dales High Way heading north from Settle towards Little Stainforth will look east across the River Ribble at the lovely limestone crags opposite. These crags, known as Stainforth Scar, are not a natural feature, but largely the result of quarrying.

Craven Limeworks and Langcliffe Quarry grew in the late nineteenth century, making full use of the new Settle-Carlisle Railway. Various industrial production methods were used on the site, including perhaps the best preserved Hoffman Kiln still existing in the country, constructed in 1873. This amazing structure is now a scheduled Ancient Monument.

After the works finally closed in the 1930s, parts of the site become a waste depot for the local council. In January 2021 Craven Council decided to redevelop the site, creating more than 26,000 square feet for a new business space, combining the refurbishment of the old traditional stone buildings together with new build to provide modern light industrial and office space.

The £3.2 million scheme, which was given planning consent by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, will also support preservation of the historic Hoffman Kiln and the wider site through a long-term conservation management plan.

Paul Shevlin, chief executive of Craven District Council, said: “I’m pleased we have appointed a local company for the construction phase of this important project.

“We know there is great demand for more modern, flexible workspace for new and existing smaller businesses in Craven. Providing much-needed additional workspace and high quality jobs in the district is a crucial part of our plans to attract and retain more young people and families to Craven, and ensure that our communities continue to thrive.”

He added: “This is a tricky site to develop, but thanks to grant funding we have been able to devise a scheme which benefits the local economy but also protects the future of the Hoffman Kiln.”

Dales High Way walkers stopping over at Stainforth would be well advised to take the short walk south and explore this amazing site.

See more about The Craven Limeworks & Hoffman Kiln here.

14 Jan 2022

New Stag in Skipton Woods

A fine new addition to the willow sculptures in Skipton Woods has made it's appearance.

The Stag is the latest work of Artist Anna & The Willow to be exhibited in the woods, which makes a great alternative section of A Dales High Way out of Skipton.

The walk also makes a fine circular form Skipton, leading up to the Craven Heifer Inn at Tarn Moor.

Hidden behind one of Britain’s most popular medieval castles, the Woodland Trust's Skipton Castle Woods is a rare ancient woodland habitat straight off the high street.

See our previous story here, the Skipton Alternative here, and Anna & The Willow here.

2 Jan 2022

Addingham Path Survey

Members of the Friends of A Dales High Way gathered in Addingham at the weekend to conduct a survey of the route's paths around the village.

They chose a day following a period of heavy rainfall to ensure the paths would be at their worst.

In fact most of the paths were fine, but 3 grot-spots were identified where some surface work might improve the situation. A report has been prepared and will be shared with Bradford Council's Countryside Service and with Addingham Parish Council.

The Friends are prepared to offer volunteer support for any works that might be identified.

After an enjoyable circular walk, taking in both the main Dales High Way route and the alternative through the village, the party retired to the Swan Inn for a fine meal and business meeting.

See Addingham Parish Council here and the Swan Inn here.

14 Dec 2021

Storm Arwen Recovery

People and businesses along the route of A Dales High Way that were hit hard by Storm Arwen are beginning to recover at last.

The Station Inn at Ribblehead, which has been without electricity, gas, water or phone since the storm struck on Friday, today announced they were back in business! They had remained open throughout offering a blazing coal fire and bottled beers to cash customers.

Power lines across Batty Moss towards the viaduct were damaged (see photo above) and the road towards Ingleton was closed, with the road towards Hawes difficult to pass.

Elsewhere across the region, thousands of homes remained without power as power companies Northern Powergrid (NP) and Electricity North West (ENWL) were criticised by customers for "woeful communications".

See The Station Inn here.

1 Dec 2021