Swinden Quarry

The quarry is set deep into the landscape and despite some surface workings being visible from the B6265 road, most of the site is hidden as a result of it being dug down out of a hill.

As part of a proposal to extend the life of the quarry beyond 2030, the owners have indicated a greater reliance on rail transport with a consistent reduction of lorry movements.

[5] The site has been designated as an SSSI, as the quarrying has exposed the Carboniferous Limestone and shows how the stone developed through the different beds of rock.

[6] The rail loading area is used as a park and ride facility for the annual Christmas festival at Grassington.

[7] Limestone services from the quarry are operated to Dewsbury, Dairycoates (Hull) and Marsh Lane/Hunslet (Leeds) by GB Railfreight.

The road entrance to Swinden Quarry near to Rylstone in North Yorkshire. The rail fed sidings are on the left with the quarry face poking up on the top right.
Looking past Skelterton Hill towards the quarry