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FH02 Jul 2004
Tucked away in a corner of probably Yorkshires quietest dale, Colsterdale, is Slipstones, one of England premier bouldering venues.
But this sleepy back water has a few interesting facts.
1. The Bradford pals were trained here before going of to the trenches of the first world war. There is a hold on Rock On Left Hand that is described as a bullet hole. I'd like to think it came from a stray bullet from one of the Tommys before he went off to france.
2. In the second world war a Halifax Bomber crashed there, I've been told it was shot down! The crew were all killed and there is a touching small memorial, a stone inscription and wreckage with poppys. Few see it as it's below the crag in the heather. (there is a photo on yorkshiregrit.com)
3. In recent years preserved human remains were discovered in the heather, at first thought to be somthing along the lines of Ludlow man it turned out to be the last resting place of a tramp, he had died some 20 yrs previously.
In reply to FH: ta for the info. Now it is returning to relative obscuity (no more magazine articles please), it should be a magic,guiet spot once again.
Also the site of a couple of big cat sightings, btw.
I've seen the crash site on Great Whernside several times, when staying at Hag Dyke Scout Hostel. The story goes that the crew's bodies were laid out at Hag Dyke before being taken down to Kettlewell - and some kids have seen their ghosts in the night..... :O
In reply to John Rushby: always thought it was a pretty poignant memorial. I`ve stopped for a moment on a few occasions,when out for a run over Buckden and Gt Whernside.