Greenhow Geology Trail

This walk explores the hillside of Greenhow along with all its old industries and geological intricacies.   Along the route, a number of informative signs have been installed to help you find your way and learn about this special part of Nidderdale.

The route explores down the hillside to the site of the Greenhow Lead Mines, and includes information about what interesting things can be found in the different layers of rock. As you leave the valley, you can see the remaining chimney of the smelting flue.

The harsh mineral content of the mining spoil has resulted in conditions where only particular plants can survive, and resulted in this area being designated a site of Special Scientific Interest. The route returns to the car park via the pretty village of Greenhow.   At the Car Park you will also be just a short climb from the Coldstones Cut, an enormous sculpture that you can explore, and from which you can peer down in the working quarry.

Nearest Town: Pateley Bridge
Distance:  3miles (5km)
Time: ~2hrs
Difficulty:  significant hills and unsurfaced paths

See the A4 printable map and detailed route description