Hoffmann Lime Kiln

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Hoffmann Lime Kiln, Craven and Murgatroyd Limeworks

Hoffmann Lime Kiln

Where is it – England, Yorkshire and the Humber

Who looks after it –  National Park 

What is it –  Free access, Industrial, Walk 

When is it from – Victorian

The Craven and Murgatroyd Limeworks, better known locally as the Hoffmann Lime Kiln, is just north of Langcliffe between the Settle-Carlisle railway and Stainforth Scar. It is a disused Victorian industrial complex that includes the remains of two separate but adjacent limeworks – the Murgatroyd and the Craven Lime Company works. The remains of the huge Hoffmann kiln (it had 22 chambers) are astonishing – it’s like being inside a cathedral, but without the religion. The Craven Lime works lasted until 1931, though were used again briefly during WW2 before being abandoned and left to decay. The nearby quarry was used as a refuse tip by the local authority between 1967 and 1990, but the whole site has now been preserved. Plans to open it as a major tourist attraction were shelved; there is now a self-guided walk with information boards, some of which incorporate recorded commentary. In addition to the Hoffmann kiln, there are the remains of other types of kiln, ancillary buildings, an inclined plane, railway tracks etc. Once so busy and noisy, parts of the surviving complex now attract wildlife and it’s a peaceful spot.

From the B6479 between Langcliffe and Stainforth, take a minor road east under a low railway arch and follow it to a small car park.

 


Address
Hoffman Kiln Road, Langcliffe, Settle, North Yorkshire BD24 9NU 

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