Geological Sites | Leeds
| Bradford | Calderdale
| Kirklees | Wakefield
 STATUS: RIGS
OTHER DESIGNATIONS:
COUNTY: West Yorkshire
DISTRICT: Calderdale
OS GRID REF. SD 985 278
OS 1:50,000 Landranger 103 Blackburn and Burnley
OS 1:25,000 Explorer OL 21 South Pennines
BGS 1:50,000 Sheet 77 Huddersfield (Solid and Drift)
FIRST DESIGNATED by West Yorkshire RIGS Group in 1996
MOST RECENT SURVEY West Yorkshire Geology Trust October 2007
SITE DESCRIPTION:
A massive outcrop of Lower Kinderscout Grit is exposed in a 20m high
quarry face. The site demonstrates cross bedding on an enormous scale,
containing foresets dipping at approximately 30o within the bedding
planes. There are some finer beds, probably silt, near the top of the
quarry, which have been weathered, so that the sandstones above produce
an overhang. The site dramatically illustrates the environment of deposition
during the Namurian epoch of the Upper Carboniferous period when large
scale deltaic channel systems spread across the area.
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS:
The quarry is near to the historic weaving settlement of Heptonstall,
which also stands on a platform of the Lower Kinderscout Grit.
 EDUCATIONAL VALUE:
The site is suitable for sixth form and higher education students. The
site contains extensive geological structures, useful for developing
interpretive skills. As an immensely impressive quarry face in a fine
position, close to an old village, it is a very good site for interpreting
geology for the general public.
AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS:
Set amongst woodland and heather, the site provides extensive views of
the Upper Calder and its over-deepened valley.
ACCESS AND SAFETY:
There is a small car park in Heptonstall village, or park in Hebden Bridge.
Approach the site by the footpath from the south of Heptonstall, between
estates of new houses. The path descends very steeply down the quarry
side, so boots should be worn. The quarry face appears to be stable,
but this is a hard hat site. There is a grassy area a short distance
from the quarry face where groups can stand to observe the features.
There are old fallen blocks, including a spectacularly leaning stack,
on the grassy area in front of the quarry which allow rock textures to
be examined closely.
A footpath runs down to the Calder valley and becomes a flagged quarry
track before it reaches Mytholm. None of these paths are suitable for
wheelchairs. The public footpaths are part of the Calderdale Way. The
site is used for climbing.
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