In the footsteps of Arthur Raistrick
led by Colin Waters, Colin Speakman and Phil Murphy
The excursion will be visiting classic geological sites that would have been familiar to the polymath Arthur Raistrick. We begin the day seeing the blue plaque for Raistrick unveiled in March 2026. Descending down to Linton Falls we will inspect the late Asbian Gordale Limestone and look for the unconformity with the overlying early Brigantian Hawes Limestone of the Yoredale Group. A small exposure of Bowland Shale, faulted against the Hawes Limestone, is passed as we progress along the eastern bank of the River Wharfe. Crossing the suspension bridge below Hebden, heading on the west bank we visit a further exposure of the Hawes Limestone with excellent biostromal Siphonodendron junceum. This is followed by the enigmatic exposure of Loup Scar to discuss the possible origins of the complex structures. Following lunch at Burnsall, we walk to Thorpe to access Elbolton reef where the late Asbian bank facies mantled by younger Asbian to early Brigantian steeply inclined flank facies. The palaeontology of both facies will be compared and the impressive line of reef structures present to the southwest will be viewed from the summit. If time permits the village of Linton will be visited to see where Raistrick lived in his later years, before returning to the car park via Linton Falls.
This is aimed to be a long walk of about 9 miles and so should be undertaken only if confident undertaking such distances. The morning will be a simple walk along the banks of the River Wharfe on the Dales Way for about 3 miles to Burnsall for lunch, with little rise and fall in elevation other than access to the river from the car park. Three of the main sections will be seen along this walk. It would be possible to independently return via the same route back to Grassington if not confident about the afternoon walk, which involves walking on a path with many stiles to Thorpe. If time permits at least part of the group can then ascend the steep grassy slopes of the Cracoean reef structure of Elbolton (if weather is dry), or it can be arranged to continue to Linton village, one-time home of Arthur Raistrick. Both options return via Linton Falls back to the car park partly on small roads and footpaths. If doing the full itinerary there would be about 1200 ft of ascent.
Meeting point outside Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre, Hebden Rd, Grassington, Skipton BD23 5LB [SE 003 637] https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/grassington_national_park_centre/
Grassington is accessible from the east via Pateley Bridge on the B6265, from the south via Addingham on the B6160 and Skipton B6265 and from the north via the B6160. There is a large car park. Parking is pay and display. K&D Bus 72 leaves Skipton Bus Station at 08:25, Skipton Rail Station 08:30 arriving Grassington 08:59. Return buses to Skipton at 16:23, 17:28, 18:30; to Ilkley (DalesBus 74) at 17:00.
Sturdy hiking boots are recommended, at least for the afternoon part of the excursion. Being midsummer one still needs to account for potential heatwave/constant rain so dress appropriately. Hard hats and hi viz vests are not necessary.
The aim is to have about an hour for lunch at Burnsall where there are lots of café, shop and pub facilities to get lunch, but also potential for having a packed lunch sitting beside the River Wharfe. As this is a long walk in mid-summer, participants must make sure they have plenty of drinking water, which can be replenished at Burnsall.
Toilets at the National Park car park at Grassington and Linton Falls car park (a small charge applies at both). There is a free public toilet at Burnsall.
Registrants will be sent a Health and Safety risk assessment and fieldwork Code of Conduct by email in advance of the trip. You are requested to read both these documents carefully beforehand and take account of risks and recommended safety measures and clothing when planning your attendance. You will be given a safety briefing by the leaders at the start of trip, and will be asked to sign an attendance register to declare that you have read these documents and understood the briefing.
The Yorkshire Geological Society has insurance arranged by the Geologists’ Association which covers the Society and field trip leaders for public liability. Personal accident insurance is a matter for individual members and participants to arrange as they consider necessary. Persons under 18 attending YGS field trips must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dogs must be kept under control at all times. Ascent of Elbolton would not be recommended.