The hamlet is located at the southern end of Malhamdale where the nascent River Aire meets Otterburn Beck.

[8] The mill has long since been demolished after it was destroyed by fire,[9][10] but the weir was only removed in 2018 to make fish passage easier into the spawning grounds.

[13] Haw Crag Quarry is now an SSSI as it "key site in the understanding of carbonate environments in the Craven Basin.

[20] The junction and road leading up to Bell Busk from Coniston Cold is narrow and can cause access problems.

As it was the nearest station to Malham Cove and Malhamdale, it took on a far greater importance than other settlements in the dale due to it being a disembarkation point for travellers.

[25] Both the Pennine Way and the Wild Yorkshire Way, pass to the east of the Hamlet, with many cottages and other overnight accommodation being offered in Bell Busk.