Geological Sites | Leeds
| Bradford | Calderdale
| Kirklees | Wakefield
 STATUS: RIGS
OTHER DESIGNATIONS:
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 RIGS Group in 1996
MOST RECENT SURVEY
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 shale. 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 shale 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.
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