The waterfall at the Threshfield Quarry

Threshfield Quarry, Grassington

Threshfield Quarry in the Yorkshire Dales is an ex working quarry turned into a walker’s paradise!

With turquoise pools, and a waterfall that appears in wet weather, this place is really an awe inspiring place to walk!

This circular route will take you around one of the walking trails of the quarry.

Where is Threshfield Quarry?

Located just outside of Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales, Threshfield Quarry is a thoroughly atmospheric place to explore. With turquoise pools set beneath towering quarry walls it’s a place that’s full of cool stuff to see, with glorious views across Wharfedale! You know what? You might even be lucky enough to see the waterfall too!

This is a circular walk that starts and ends in Threshfield and it will take you around one of the walking trails of the quarry.

Note: There is NO swimming at Threshfield Quarry. The water is cold, deep and the beautiful turquoise colour is brought about by the chemical levels of the water. The quarry suffered with antisocial behaviour during the Covid Pandemic, so be respectful of permissive routes and of any signage as well as local residents when parking here.

This walk guide is intended for use with a map and if necessary a compass

A rainbow over one of the quarry pools of Threshfield

Distance: 4 miles

Terrain: Signposted trails that are well walked and easy underfoot.

Parking: There is some roadside parking available on Skirethornes Lane where the road is wide, however be respectful to the residents and do not block or narrow any access points to the local businesses or to fields. (If you cannot park here, you can park and walk from the car park in Linton, which adds 3 miles in total to the walk.)

Public Transport: There are buses that run to Long Ashes, which is down the road from Threshfield Quarry. Check out the bus timetable on the Dales Bus Website.

Dog friendly? Yes, dogs to be kept under close control

Location: Skirethorns Lane, Grassington, Wharfedale

What 3 Words: speak.lingering.unfolds - parking

Toilets/ Baby Change: Nearest are at Grassington Pay and Display

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Grassington.

Reading the information about white clawed crayfish

The white clawed crayfish information board

How to walk to Threshfield Quarry

Directions (to be used in conjunction with a map)

  1. Beginning at the parking area and with your back to the main road walk along Skirethorns Lane. The road will narrow as it heads away from the main residential area. Turn right onto Wood Lane and walk until you reach a little layby and outbuilding.

  2. There is a footpath sign on your right signposted FP Long Ashes. Take this and follow it across the field, then across the beck and up to the access track to the quarry. When you exit the field, you will see the footpath gate into the quarry itself on your left. Head through this. The waterfall is located right at the entrance to the quarry directly ahead of you, you can’t miss it!

  3. On the left, you’ll find an information board relating to the rehoming of the white clawed crayfish in one of the enclosed areas, and the path we took ascends from here.

  4. It is a concrete track, which climbs upwards, before levelling out a little. Here, there is a little junction of paths, but you need to head straight on into the upper quarry area. There, you’ll find some striking quarry pools (not for swimming at ALL!) with dramatically overhanging cliffs.

  5. The path follows the old quarry road, passing a few pools on your right, and then leading into the quite frankly epic amphitheatre of the quarry itself. In the centre, you will find a series of footpath signposts. We took the footpath to the right, which climbs steeply upwards to reach the top of quarry sides. Here you will be able to see down into an enormous quarry pit that is full of water.

  6. Once you have climbed to the top, you will be faced with stunning views across Wharfedale and you need to turn right. After a short distance, there is a viewing platform where you can see right across the expanse of the old pits below. It’s bloomin’ MASSIVE!

  7. Continue along the track, keeping the quarry to your right and follow the track as is descends back to the little footpath junction you saw earlier.

  8. Now turn left, head back down the track passing the crayfish sanctuary sign on your right and head back out the quarry the way that you came in! You need to take the same path back across the field and head back to where you began.

Last walked January 2023

The signposts in the middle of the quarry

The public footpath sign with the path ascending in the distance.

Walking along the side of the quarry pool

What’s cool for kids on this walk?

✨ The Threshfield Quarry site has been worked for hundreds and hundreds of years, with evidence of activity going right back into the 1700’s. It finally ceased action in 2000 when it was repurposed for use by walkers.

🧒 The park is located just down the road in Grassington. Check out our visit Grassington with kids guide for more information about the area.

🦐 Think about the poor white crayfish! They are a species under threat which is why they have been moved to what I like to think of as some kind of crayfish retreat. A sanctuary where the poor little dudes get the chance to relax without being killed off by any alien species!

💦 There is NO swimming in Threshfield quarry, but you might be able to chuck in the odd stone or two! For more water based paddling fun, head down the road to Kettlewell.

🌳 Need some help to bust the walking whinges? Then why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

jumping over a puddle

Helpful Information!

For more helpful information head to our safety tips and advice page.

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! These walks are intended as a guide only and are undertaken at your own risk. The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. If in doubt, turn back. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS or your phone alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

Paddling in the River Wharfe in Kettlewell

Are you looking for more Wharfedale walks?

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So if you’re looking for walks in Grassington, Kettlewell, Upper Wharfedale or beyond, then tap the button below!

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