Crimsworth Dean (SSSI)
Location and Access Information
Grid Reference: SD 988293
View of Crimsworth Dean.
Rocks of Upper Carboniferous age
are exposed in the river bed.
This site is located 1km north of Hebden Bridge and comprises the stream and valley of Crimsworth Dean Beck. The lower half of the valley is wooded and owned by the National Trust. There is an extensive footpath and trail network with the upper reach of the valley accessible by footpath. Parking is available at Midgehole on the northern side of Hebden Water at SD 989291.
View the site map on Nature on the Map
.
Geological Interest
The bed and banks of Crimsworth Dean Beck provide exposures of a series of rock-layers of the Upper Carboniferous Millstone Grit deposited about 320 million years ago. The rocks consist mainly of shales and sandstones formed by the accumulation of sediment on a vast delta, built by a major river which flowed southwards from uplands in Scotland. Some of the shales contain the fossilised remains of marine animals which accumulated during periods when the delta became submerged beneath sea-level. These marine layers are most important as they have enabled geologists to accurately date the rocks, making possible precise comparisons with rocks of similar age elsewhere in Britain and overseas.
