Coldstones Cut: impossible to describe so just go!

What makes a perfect outing with family and friends? I think there are several key ingredients: a walk so everyone can get out into the fresh air but not so far that those with little legs start to moan; somewhere with "ooh look at that" fine views;

a chance to learn something along the way; a good cafe at the end.

On a bright, clear day you can find all these ingredients in one place: Coldstones Cut. It's almost impossible to describe - you really do have to go there to experience it yourself. How ever many words I use, I'll fail to convey its stark beauty, the 360 degree views, the surprise of its setting and construction, the amazing fact that someone had an audacious idea and didn't rest until it became a reality.

So after all this hype you may well be wondering where? It's on the B6265 a couple of miles out of Pateley Bridge on the way to Grassington. You can see it from the road but probably wouldn't know it was really there but for the sign and small car park. Once parked, you'll be able to read more about the history of the area and see Toft Gate Lime Kiln on the left (worth a wander) and then you can head up to the sculpture on the hill which looks like some kind of flat fortress from the bottom. It's not a particularly long walk but the last few metres are steep.

The first thing you'll notice are the enormous stones used for this gargantuan artwork, and then there's something a bit peculiar - tarmac, traffic bollards, a mini roundabout and no-parking yellow paint. Remember, this is on a high hill almost 1400 feet above sea level in the Nidderdale National Landscape, in a spot no car could ever reach! Yes, as I said it's a bit odd, and definitely thought provoking!

Continue down this "lane" and you'll have three options: following a narrow turning passage to the top for incredible panoramic views from the right or the left or continue for a very different view. There are panels at the top helping you understand the vistas, fascinating in themselves.

If I tell you that in the other direction, Coldstones Cut overlooks a limestone quarrying operation you'll probably think it sounds unpleasantly industrial but go and see for yourself. It's spectacular and could easily be the setting for an exciting episode of Scooby Doo.

I can't help thinking that some of the reactions of first time visitors once they've made the climb must be quite similar to those to Stonehenge. But Coldstones Cut is far less busy and with much better views. And then there's the cafe... Walk a little down the hill to Toft Gate Barn Cafe. This is a very good barn conversion, with great food and drink and friendly staff.

When it opened several years ago, the Yorkshire Post described Coldstones Cut as "the answer to the Angel of the North", but actually it's better. For one thing, it's not on a busy motorway, there's more to see, and it's an even more interesting construction.

The original idea came from Biddy Noakes who the Yorkshire Post described as "one of those irrepressible women who Gets The Job Done". They got that bit right! Biddy heard that the quarry was going to create a viewing platform so she approached owners Hanson to suggest they do something really special and ambitious. After securing funding from a variety of sources, sculptor Andrew Sabin was suggested as the artist who might be able to create this enormous work of art. He'd already had experience of creating major works but this one will surely be standing in a few hundred years.

Coldstones Cut is hard to sum up in words so maybe I'll make do with just one word: go!