A rural village near Pickering harbours a well-kept secret of the Art world

Hanging Stones is an ongoing project by Andy Goldsworthy, in the North York Moors, commissioned by The Ross Foundation.  Ten existing rural buildings, all in varying states of disrepair, are in the process of being rebuilt as artworks, connected by a six-mile walk encompassing Northdale near Rosedale Abbey. To date, seven buildings have been completed: Southfield House, Hanging Stone House, Redwall, Job’s Well, Hither House, Bogs House and Northdale Head House.  Ebenezer is under construction.  To tell you exactly what to expect would ruin the surprise but be prepared to be wowed by these nature-inspired sculptures housed in old farm buildings.  

Goldsworthy, an artist and environmentalist, produces site-specific sculptures and land art in natural and urban settings – and it is clear why he picked Rosedale, as his muse. A complex, tough, resilient and powerful landscape, the former mining town is steeped in rural and industrial history.  To take time to fully appreciate the sculptures and the beauty of the scenery across the Moors, ensure 5 to 6 hours with a well-earned break for a packed lunch at Job’s Well situated halfway around the route.  To gain access to the buildings, a key must be picked up by prior arrangement – with the walk only being made available to a limited number of guests each day.  The experience is rather unworldly but at the same time quite life-affirming, as you can not help but wonder what life must have been like battling against the elements in such isolated places, years ago.

Goldsworthy states, ‘Hanging Stones will be both discreet and dramatic.  Visible to those who know it is there and hidden to those that don’t.  It will be so rooted in what is already there that it would be difficult to say where the work begins or ends’

A once in a lifetime experience not to be missed by either art lovers or walkers.  To book on the walk visit www.hangingstones.org