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Geology of The Yorkshire Dales

Welcome to TheYorkshireDales.org and our Yorkshire Dales information, useful online links, local villages sections and holiday cottage sites for a relaxing stay in this wonderful part of the north of England. In this section we take a quick look at the geology of the region and how the Dales came to be.

Geologically, the very nature of the Dales landscape is based on rock; rocks of different ages and composition. In the waves and folds below our feet the differing layers break the surface at different points, creating the physical diversity we see. Limestone characterises much of the central and south western areas of the Dales; millstone grit covers much of the eastern dales but can also be seen on the tops in Craven, such as Whernside and Ingleborough. Where the ages have weathered the millstone grit sculptural shapes have been created, as at Brimham Rocks in Nidderdale, near Pateley Bridge. Where the limestone comes to the surface the landscape is characterised by drystone walls and the distinctive limestone pavements, particularly above Malham Cove.

Buried deep below the surface, limestone is suceptible to running water and, over the ages vast caverns have been created by the underground rivers. In this dark, silent world stalactites and stalagmites slowly grew and the caves became underground cathedrals in their grandeur and mystery. These are the caverns that fascinate the cavers, like Ingleborough Cave, the White Scar Caves and the Stump Cross Caverns. Some of the cave systems are extensive and include Gaping Gill / Ghyll, Alum Pot, Mossdale Caverns, Kingsdale Caverns, Leck Fell Caves and Easegill. Some of the spectacular caves have been opened for visitors, so that they can be enjoyed by all.