| Conistone | |
|---|---|
 Conistone, bridge and Dib, over Wharfedale from west | |
  Conistone Location within North Yorkshire | |
| OS grid reference | SD981675 |
| Civil parish | |
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SKIPTON |
| Postcode district | BD23 |
| Dialling code | 01756 |
| Police | North Yorkshire |
| Fire | North Yorkshire |
| Ambulance | Yorkshire |
| UK Parliament | |
| |
Conistone is a small village in the Craven district of North Yorkshire, England. It lies 3 miles (5 km) north of Grassington, 3 miles (5 km) south of Kettlewell and 12 miles (19 km) north of Skipton beside the River Wharfe, in Upper Wharfedale.[1]
Conistone is mentioned in the Domesday BookasCunestune and belonging to Ketil.[2] The name derives from a mix of Old Danish (Kunung) and Old English (tūn), which means King's farm or Settlement.[3]
The village is set in characteristic limestone scenery, including Mossdale Caverns, the dry gorge of Conistone Dib and the limestone outcrop of Conistone Pie.[4] Above the Dib the Dales Way path connects Kettlewell, to its north, and Grassington, to its south, providing distant views over Wharfedale.[5] From the B6160 road, the Wharfe is crossed at Conistone by a stone-arch bridge,[6] which is within easy walking distance of Kilnsey, with its Crag.
The parish church, St Mary's Church, dates from the 11th or 12th century, and is a Grade II listed building.[7]
Conistone was historically in the large ancient parish of Burnsall, in Staincliffe Wapentake in the West Riding of Yorkshire.[8] It became part of the civil parishofConistone with Kilnsey in 1866,[9] and was transferred to North Yorkshire in 1974. The population of the parish in the 2001 census was 117,[10] rising to 124 at the 2011 census.[11] In 2015, North Yorkshire County Council had estimated the population to be 110.[12]
Immediately to the east of the village lies Conistone Moor and Riggs Moor. The moorland here was known for its lead mines,[13] and also as being the furthest point in England from a road. Known by the Ordnance SurveyasPile of Stones, the point is on Riggs Moor and is found at 54°08′34″N 1°57′31″W / 54.1427°N 1.9585°W / 54.1427; -1.9585 (Conistone), SE03287183.[14]
