Conistone

Conistone is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Cunestune 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 parish of Conistone 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 Survey as Pile of Stones, the point is on Riggs Moor and is found at 54.1427°N 1.9585°W / 54.1427; -1.9585 (Conistone), SE03287183.[14]

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  St Mary's Church, Conistone, from the south-east
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  Stone arch bridge over Wharfe
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  Meadowsweet along B6160, toward Kilnsey
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  Wall across Dib
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  View down Dib from top, at Dales Way path
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  Conistone Dib