eerie

The Hoffman Kiln near Settle in the Yorkshire Dales is a moss-covered derelict kiln hidden in woodlands, though the site is currently undergoing development with limited access

For those looking for an extraordinary walking adventure, this trail delivers something truly unique and proves ideal for youngsters who relish uncovering secret treasures along the way.

Nestled within the forests on the outskirts of Settle in Yorkshire lies Hoffman Kiln, an abandoned kiln that once served as an insulated furnace for burning raw materials.

Today, it resembles an subterranean grotto constructed from brickwork and blanketed in moss, lending the location an unsettling verdant atmosphere.

Its past remains somewhat enigmatic to locals, though additional points of interest dot the vicinity, designated as part of the ‘Craven Limeworks trail’.

The kiln formed part of what was previously an industrial complex, where Yorkshire workers toiled in appalling conditions before nature eventually reclaimed the site, leaving it abandoned.

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Historical background

The nineteenth century witnessed the establishment of the railway route connecting Settle to Carlisle, which subsequently generated fresh industrial prospects for the region.

The railway regularly transported coal inbound to process the limestone extracted from the scar, then carried away the completed product.

Enormous quantities of stone were once processed here, yet now it lies concealed. The kiln was previously operated by labourers whose responsibility involved shovelling burnt lime onto wagons positioned mere feet away in the sidings.

Describing the harsh working conditions, Senior Historic Environment Officer Miles Johnson explained: “It’s quite pleasant space to be in now but whilst it was in use it was probably absolutely grim. Lime is really nasty, caustic stuff to work with.

“The lime burners who worked in here had to cover every inch of their body with rags and clothing to try to keep the lime dust out. When lime dust meets moisture or water it reacts and generates a lot of heat.

“So if you’ve got lime dust on your body, and you’re shovelling and starting to sweat, then you’d start to blister and burn quite quickly.”

Exploration today

Proposals to develop the land housing the kiln have been under consideration for some time. Back in 2021, it emerged that Craven District Council’s planning application had received approval, with the site now earmarked for commercial development.

Prior to construction commencing, one visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Really loved my visit. I was amazed by how big the site is, considering it isn’t promoted very well. There is lots to explore, and the information boards are very helpful.

“The car park for the site is also quite large, so there is plenty of room. It felt quite exciting to be exploring the vast Hoffmann kiln by torchlight, and I was very pleased to see that it hadn’t been littered or abused.”

Yet more recently, visitors have suggested that the feeling of discovering a secret, unspoilt location has vanished, with construction work now progressing at full pace. A later review states: “These unusual kilns are well worth a visit.

“However, as other reviewers have mentioned, at the moment the area is a building site. There is access to the Hoffman kiln, but you need to cross the building site and walk along beside the railway.”

To find the kiln, you can use the postcode BD24 9NU, where you’ll find it just off the main road between Langcliffe and Stainforth.

This spot near Howick is a secluded Northumberland cove with dramatic cliffs, a smuggling history, and connections to Earl Grey’s historic Bathing House

Nestled amongst the clifftops in a cove near Howick in Northumberland lies this stunning bay, boasting both historical and environmental importance.

Rumbling Kern is an isolated haven comprising dramatic iron-stained rocks and a small beach visible at low tide. Its distinctive location and cliff formation earned it this evocative name, as the geography helps generate a rumbling noise during stormy conditions.

When waves crash into the bay and strike the rocks, visitors can detect a profound and eerie sound beneath, rumbling like distant thunder. This distinctive acoustic phenomenon is unique to the location and lends an otherworldly quality to the already remote destination.

One keen explorer who documents their journeys on YouTube, Wilderhope Adventures, explained that the cove proves challenging to locate, as it doesn’t even appear on maps without entering the postcode for the nearby farm. She said: “I’ve seen pictures of this, but this is very, very cool. I can imagine this being a really cool swimming spot because it’s very protected.”

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Historical significance

The fascinating features don’t end there, however, as historical records indicate it served a particularly intriguing role in smuggling operations.

Given its coastal position and remoteness from populated areas, the cove proved popular for landing illicit cargo, most frequently whisky. They would subsequently move these goods along the remainder of the Northumberland coastline.

The neighbouring village of Boulmer was particularly renowned as the ‘smuggling capital’ during that era, with the kern representing just one element of a far more extensive network.

Bathing House

The cove provides stunning vistas of the Bathing House, nestled peacefully along the shoreline as a 19th-century residence constructed by the former prime minister.

It originally belonged to Charles Grey (2nd Earl Grey), whilst nearby Howick Hall served as the ancestral home where he was raised. This property functioned as a gateway for them to enjoy the great outdoors.

Throughout his time here, the earl ordered extensions to the swimming area along the tide, creating additional fresh seawater pools. On the upper floor of the property, they even created a vantage point for his wife to watch their children bathing below in the specially designed pools.

Today the property is available for holiday rentals as a cottage for friends and family, with bookings filling up rapidly. It continues under the stewardship of the Howick Trustees Ltd, a charitable trust.

Howick Hall

A brief journey from the scenic Bathing House and cove brings you to Howick Hall, a Grade II listed structure which was home to the Earls Grey. The very same prime minister, after whom Earl Grey tea takes its name, lived there throughout his lifetime, and it is now accessible to the public.

Howick Hall was originally constructed in 1782, but sadly a fire in 1926 ravaged much of the interior, necessitating significant renovations. The ever-expanding family vacated the property following the passing of the 5th Earl Grey in the 1970s.

By 1973, Lord Howick had transformed the west wing into his family residence, where they still live today. The ground floor is open to the public, offering a glimpse into the rich history of this family and their ancestral home over the centuries.

The hall’s grounds boast an array of enchanting gardens, conceived by the 5th Earl Grey, and an arboretum spanning more than 65 acres. Nestled within this verdant landscape is the ideal spot for a tea break at the Earl Grey Tea House, where tradition and legacy live on.