Yockenthwaite Henge

Map Referance : SD899794
54°12'36.85"N 2° 9'22.88"W
Google Earth

This is a lovely little ring of stones that is either a small stone circle or the kerb remains of a ring cairn. Whichever, it's in a fantastic position on the north bank of the fledgling River Wharf, a river that was so important to the prehistoric peoples of Yorkshire. At this point in it's journey the river is passing through the narrow valley of Langstrothdale with the hills of Yockenthwaite Moor to the north and Horse Head Moor to the south, a lovely spot that gives the circle the air of a small camp. The circle itself consists of about 24 stones in a slight oval measuring 7 metres by 6.5 metres with what could be the remains of an outer circle in the northwest quadrant and a possible outlying boulder about 6 metres to the southeast, there are a couple of other questionable outlying stones further away to the west. The largest stone in the circle seems to be the one closest to the river, could it be that this position was important to the people who built Yockenthwaite?

Directions
Turn off the B6160 at Buckden (signposted Hubberholme and Hawes) and follow the road (carefully - it's a popular spot for walkers and mountain bikers and mainly single track) for about 4 miles. After the cattle grid, you'll see Yockenthwaite Farm over a tiny bridge - keep going along the road for less than half a mile then cross the river by whichever stepping stones look stable and not too slippy. The circle is just behind the dry stone wall on the far (north) side of the river and should be visible.

References
Yockenthwaite on Stone-Circles.org

Useful Links
The Modern Antiquarin
Yockenthwaite on the Megalithic Portal