This permanent and unique exhibit exemplifies all the skills of the Master Craftsman dry stone waller.
It draws together the highest standards of dry stone walling. It also interprets the characteristics and the practical applications of the craft in the landscape.
The spectacular conical cairns mark the top entrance to the exhibit. The lower entrance is marked by closely dressed square-topped pillars. From here, the path leads past a series of stiles and lunky holes through walling. This gradually takes on a more relaxed field wall character until it curves upwards to the top of the site.
- A circular pinfold half buried in the hillside displays the skills involved to build a tight curve.
- A set of demonstration walls show the various stages in building in dry stone.
- Different styles of topstone reflect the styles found in urban and rural landscapes. This includes half rounded topstones and "cocks and hens".
The Dry Stone Walling Association (Otley and Yorkshire Dales Branch) worked with us on the second phase of this project. This enclosed the site, after the line of trees below Lister's Drive and back down to the lower entrance. This phase included ten dry stone wall panels that show the variety of structure that defines the Yorkshire landscape. It features:
- bee-boles;
- smoots;
- seats;
- gate surrounds.
Each panel is built of different indigenous Yorkshire stone.
The project was carried out in 2010 with Master Craftsmen from the Otley and Yorkshire Dales Branch and volunteers.
For more details, visit: Dry Stone Walling Association.