Lanshaw Delves, Ilkley

West Yorkshire Regionally Important Geological Site

Lanshaw Delves STATUS: RIGS
OTHER DESIGNATIONS:
COUNTY: West Yorkshire
DISTRICT: Bradford
OS GRID REF. SE 126 455 to SE 132 454
OS SHEET 1:50,000 Landranger 104 Leeds and Bradford
OS SHEET: 1:25,000 Explorer 297 Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley
BGS 1:50,000 Sheet 69 Bradford (Solid and Drift Edition)
FIRST DESIGNATED by West Yorkshire RIGS Group in 1996
DATE OF MOST RECENT SURVEY
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION produced by Neil Aitkenhead

SITE DESCRIPTION:
Lanshaw Delves moraine forms a ridge of glacial moraine (600m long by 40m wide and about 3m high), parallel to the Wharfe Valley. The moraine can be traced south-east from Lanshaw Delves towards Reva Reservoir (SE 151 428), as its trend changes to conform to the Guiseley Gap. This deviation in the direction of the moraine can be related to the lateral moraine of a glacier moving from Wharfedale towards the Airedale Valley. The higher sections of moraine, above 350m, rest on solid rock, whilst lower sections lie on glacial till.

At Lanshaw Delves the moraine consists of gravels made up of Carboniferous sandstones, chert, ironstone nodules and Carboniferous limestone erratics.

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS:
In previous times the Carboniferous limestone erratics were quarried at Lanshaw Delves and elsewhere in the moraine and utilised for lime burning.

EDUCATIONAL VALUE:
The well preserved moraine at Lanshaw Delves is an important site for understanding the glacial history of Wharfedale. Erratics can be found at Lanshaw Delves and also on the north bank of Reva Reservoir (SE 151 428) where an excavated section of the moraine is partially exposed.

AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS:
The moorland site overlooks Ilkley and the Wharfe Valley and gives good views in all directions.

ACCESS AND SAFETY:
The moorland area surrounding Lanshaw Delves moraine is served by an extensive network of footpaths. Park at Ilkley or Ben Rhydding and ascend to Lanshaw Delves via the Dales Way Link and Gill Head. Avoid areas reserved for grouse shooting. There is no wheelchair access.