Limestone near Dunsop Bridge

[Lankyman]

Yesterday we were walking from Dunsop Bridge and were heading along footpaths NE of the village. Limestone is obvious in the knolls (an unnamed one with a quarry near Fober Farm and the very prominent Sugar Loaf).
There seems to be a much more extensive chunk of limestone crossed by the footpath going NW from Gamble Hole Farm (significant name?). I've been that way a few times noting the small shake holes but never spotted anything significant. Here's what it looks like

Large Pasture north of Gamble Hole Farm © Chris Heaton cc-by-sa/2.0

This pasture stretches from the farm to Bull Lane - an unseen right of way connecting one to the other.

www.geograph.org.uk

The walls bounding the nearby Bull Lane are limestone with some nice crinoids visible on one of the gap stile uprights. Does anyone know if there's been anything found there?

 

[bog4053]

I know the areas in Bowland where there are caves but I'm not aware of, and I've never looked for, anything where you are talking about. However if you are interested in Bowland caves contact me on abrown.boggarts@gmail.com

 

[RobinGriffiths]

Interesting article here...

https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/96597/1/bcra_cks126131.pdf

 

[mikem]

In 2017 ukhillwalking discussion about dunsop bridge, lankyman suggested whitewell:

FAIRY HOLES CAVE – WHITEWELL.

My stereotypical image of prehistoric life is of a family sat eating round a fire, animal bones scattered about, in the mouth of a cave. Hence, this morning I found myself sat in a cave entrance hi…

www.bowlandclimber.com

 

[Lankyman]

In 2017 ukhillwalking discussion about dunsop bridge, lankyman suggested whitewell:

FAIRY HOLES CAVE – WHITEWELL.

My stereotypical image of prehistoric life is of a family sat eating round a fire, animal bones scattered about, in the mouth of a cave. Hence, this morning I found myself sat in a cave entrance hi…

www.bowlandclimber.com

I've walked around that circuit in various forms before but not got to the Fairy Holes yet. They're off the right of way so it would have to be a trespass. The various reef knolls nearby are great little viewpoints but again, aren't CRoW land so you're running the access gauntlet again. The area I was enquiring about is further north and doesn't seem to have any speleological interest (yet?).

 

[Pitlamp]

This book, published by the Craven and Pendle Geological Society, may be useful for learning more about the geology thereabouts. Publication date 2011; cover price £9-50. ISBN 978-0-9555289-1-0.

I've met Paul Kabrna a few times and he knows his stuff.

 

[Lankyman]

Thanks, Pitl

This book, published by the Craven and Pendle Geological Society, may be useful for learning more about the geology thereabouts. Publication date 2011; cover price £9-50. ISBN 978-0-9555289-1-0.

I've met Paul Kabrna a few times and he knows his stuff.

View attachment 23580

Thanks, Pitlamp. I shall have a look for that. I'm pretty sure that cover photo is the Sugar Loaf just north of the road east of Dunsop Bridge.

 

[Pitlamp]

Well done Lankyman; you pass the test.

The blurb on the back cover describing the front cover image confirms you're bang on. It also mentions "it still preserves the topographical form that originally gave rise to the traditional term "reef knoll".

 

[RobinGriffiths]

Are reef knolls cavernous? (with apologies to Gary Numan..)

The only example I can think of is Treak Cliff in the peak.

 

[Lankyman]

Are reef knolls cavernous? (with apologies to Gary Numan..)

The only example I can think of is Treak Cliff in the peak.

Some reef knolls have caves - Elbolton Hill in Wharfedale has caves/pots. In Bowland I suspect the Fairy Holes mentioned earlier are in a reef knoll (New Laund Hill and the other little limestone hills nearby looks like reef knolls to me). I've checked out the Sugar Loaf (more from a climbing perspective) some years ago but didn't spot anything cave-like.