The Coldstones Cut is one of Yorkshire’s biggest and highest works of public art, standing above the working Coldstones Quarry on Greenhow Hill. Its stone walls, winding paths and viewing platforms make a striking place to pause and take in Nidderdale. The views across the Yorkshire Dales are a reward in themselves.

How the Coldstones Cut came about

Nidderdale Visual Arts and Hanson Aggregates, then operators of Coldstones Quarry, commissioned artist Andrew Sabin to create a sculpture overlooking the quarry. The design and engineering took about three years. Planning permission and funding were secured in 2009, construction began in March 2010, and Dr Penelope Curtis, then Director of Tate Britain, officially opened the Cut on 16 September that year.

An impressive sculpture with stunning views

The Coldstones Cut stands 1,375 feet above sea level. From its platforms, visitors can look across the Nidderdale landscape and down into the vast working quarry. The design makes the connection between the area’s natural beauty and its long quarrying history especially clear.

A mix of old and new

Visitors can walk all around the sculpture, which combines massive stone blocks with the feel of a contemporary streetscape. Winding paths and raised viewpoints reveal a different outlook at each turn.

Planning a visit to the Coldstones Cut

The Cut is close to Pateley Bridge and signposted from the B6265 at Greenhow. Free parking is available at the Toft Gate Lime Kiln car park, followed by a fairly steep 500-metre walk uphill to the sculpture. Admission is free and the site is open 24 hours a day, all year round. It is exposed to the weather and usually unlit at night, so choose suitable footwear and clothing. Dogs are welcome on leads.