Geological Sites | Leeds
| Bradford | Calderdale
| Kirklees | Wakefield
 STATUS: RIGS
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: Local Nature Reserve
COUNTY: West Yorkshire
DISTRICT: Calderdale
OS GRID REF. SD 914 233
OS 1:50,000 Landranger 103 Blackburn and Burnley
OS 1:25,000 Explorer OL 21 South Pennines
BGS 1:50,000 Sheet 76 Rochdale
FIRST DESIGNATED by West Yorkshire RIGS Group in 1996
MOST RECENT SURVEY West Yorkshire Geology Trust December 2007
SITE DESCRIPTION
Gorpley Clough is a very attractive, steep sided valley, into which the
river has incised a gorge with many small waterfalls. There is a footpath
which runs up the clough as far as Gorpley Reservoir and returns on
the north side of the valley. Three resistant beds of sandstone, divided
by beds of shale, cut across the clough and form the waterfalls. There
are some coal adits on the path on the northern side of the clough.
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS:
Disused adits can be found on the northern slopes of the clough where
the Holcombe Brook Coal has been mined in previous times
 EDUCATIONAL VALUE:
The valley is suitable for small groups of geology students or interested
adults to study the depositional sequences of the Millstone Grit Series.
AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS:
A fine example of a Pennine clough containing deciduous woodland with
many species of flowers, mosses and ferns. The views from the top of
the valley towards the moors are spectacular.
ACCESS AND SAFETY:
There is a small car park at SD 918 237 adjacent to the track leading
up to the clough. Recent footpath improvements by Calderdale Council
Countryside Unit have improved access and safety, although the bridges
can be very slippery. Care is required on the steep slopes in the clough.
The site is not accessible by wheelchair.
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