Coldstones Quarry is probably the highest quarry in England. It is situated close to the village of Greenhow on the western edge of Nidderdale, 3 miles from Pateley Bridge.

This wild moorland area was once the centre of a thriving lead industry which reached its heyday in the mid 19th century, then gradually declined.

Several small limestone quarries have operated around Greenhow over the last two centuries. These quarries produced agricultural and mortar lime as well as crushed aggregate for roadstone. In the early 1900’s the surrounding hills were dominated by building stone quarries. One by one the other quarries closed until Coldstones became the last operating quarry in the area.

The quarry currently covers an area of about 0.2km². It is worked on 4 benches, 15-20m high, to a depth of 346m O.D. in the centre of the quarry (1999) with permission to deepen to 300m.

Coldstones Quarry is owned by the Pioneer Group and is well placed to provide the north and west Yorkshire areas with a secure supply of aggregates for the future. In 1992 the planning permission for the quarry was extended for another 20 years.

The scars of the areas industrial past have healed and Coldstones Quarry now stands within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It lies hidden behind a landscaped bank formed from the rocks which covered the limestone.

In 1998 Coldstones Quarry achieved both a 5 Star Environmental Award from the Quarry Products Association and the Harrogate Borough Council Special Award for Environmental Excellence.

This recognised Pioneer's educational work with local schools and its active support of the local heritage initiative.

Pioneer can supply aggregates, asphalts and concrete to most areas of Yorkshire - for all product sales contact:

Freephone: 0800 854 532
Fax: 0113 249 7052