Geological Sites | Leeds
| Bradford | Calderdale
| Kirklees | Wakefield
 STATUS:
Local Geological Site
OTHER DESIGNATIONS: Geological SSSI (Crimsworth Dean)
COUNTY: West Yorkshire
DISTRICT: Calderdale
OS GRID REF. SD 993 314
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 LGS Group in 1996
MOST RECENT SURVEY West Yorkshire Geology Trust in February 2009
DESIGNATION SHEET UPDATED August 2009
SITE DESCRIPTION:
The site demonstrates the role of geology in the process of waterfall
formation. Resistant
Upper Carboniferous Lower Kinderscout Grit forming the lip of the falls
is undercut by
the erosion of the softer underlying mudstone. The waterfall has gradually
migrated
northwards leaving a steep gorge downstream, littered with fallen blocks
of gritstone. The
shale beneath the falls has been eroded to form a deep plunge pool.
Lumb Falls is a fine example of a Pennine waterfall created where alternate
beds of
sandstone and mudstone occur within the Namurian (Millstone Grit) Series.
 HISTORICAL
ASSOCIATIONS:
The falls are located near an ancient packhorse route. Photograph
Plate IIIA p29 in the
Huddersfield and Halifax memoir 1930 (see details below) shows the
falls as they were
then.
EDUCATIONAL VALUE:
The site is suitable for small groups, primary and upwards. The sandstones
and shales
forming the waterfall are clearly seen, illustrating the role of
geology in the formation of
Lumb Falls.
AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS:
The site forms part of a Pennine landscape containing many traditional
stone farmhouses
and dry stone walls. Crimsworth Dean to the south of the falls
is a haven for wildlife.
ACCESS AND SAFETY:
Access is by public footpath and there is limited parking on
Haworth Old Road (SD 994
313).
If possible park at Hardcastle Crags and walk up Crimsworth
Dean to the Falls.
Care is required near the waterfall and on the slopes of the
gorge.
|
