Stone Sentinel, Moughton

Between Crummackdale and Ribblesdale is an upland block of Carboniferous limestone overlying Silurian siltstone, part of the Ingleborough massif called Moughton, which I believe is translated as 'pile of rocks'. The unconformity (between the Silurian and the Carboniferous) is of huge interest to the geologist where the limestone is horizontally-bedded on top of the steeply-dipping Silurian siltstones; the limestone on top of the plateau is of interest to the botanist also with numerous (sometimes rare) calciphiles inhabiting the cracks (grykes) between the limestone blocks (clints). The area is one of peace and solitude and a wonderful place to relax and chill out (quite literally).

The first time I explored the area I came across this stone structure, this cairn sits atop the limestone pavement near Long Scar, being in that frame of mind I considered it then, and wondered why someone had gone to the time and effort of building it. It stands about 6ft high, and is obviously of some antiquity given the amount of lichen / moss growth, it could be a waymarker - as there is a safe route down Long Scar not so far away from it, but it's still a distance away - personally I like to think it was built by some bored shepherd as a walling 'apprentice-piece'.

On a very (very) cold day last November I decided to go for a bit of a paint, (and spurred on having read one of David Bellamy's books intimating at painting in all weathers - although I draw the line at rain and snow) and equipped with my pochade box I climbed the path close to Dry-Rigg Quarry and onto the Moughton uplands. It was perishingly cold, but hugely relaxing, and as I was slapping the paint onto the pochade a stoat came out of hiding to have a look what I was doing, normally I don't like visitors, but I didn't begrudge the curiousity of a stoat.

I wasn't originally planning on this one being a 'biggie', but with a moment of inspiration I had a bash at it, changing the compsition somewhat through the process of the painting. Having painted it I know what I could do better and if I re-do this or painting some more limestone scenery I will be able to apply these technique changes.

The Stone Sentinel, Moughton Oil on canvas 18" x 14"

Regardless I like the feeling of solitude and drearyness (again), and I am certainly inspired enough to have another bash at Moughton's karst landscape. I reccomend anyone to go there and experience the lunar landscape, it has a feeling all to its own.

http://www.davidbellamy.co.uk/