Hanging Stones walk is available to a limited number of visitors each day. Booking is required.

Hanging Stones is an ongoing project by Andy Goldsworthy in the North York Moors, commissioned by the Ross Foundation.  Nine existing buildings (plus one new building) that were in varying states of disrepair have been rebuilt as artworks and connected by a six-mile walk encompassing Northdale, near Rosedale Abbey.

Hanging Stones has been conceived by Goldsworthy as a single artwork – the walk between each building is as much a part of the artwork as the buildings themselves. Nine buildings have been completed: Southfield House, Hanging Stone House, Sugget Spring, Job’s Well, Hither House, Bogs House, Ebenezer, Northdale Head House (Dowson’s House) and Red House.

The interior of Heygate Thorns is still under construction and should be completed by 2025.

Hanging Stones is undergoing a period of learning so that we can understand how best to manage the project in terms of visitors and maintenance of the path and the buildings into the future.

The number of visitors on the walk at any one time takes into account the time and space needed to experience the buildings properly, and will help minimise any impact on the artworks, the valley and nearby village of Rosedale Abbey. The buildings can only be accessed with a key, which is available upon booking through the Ross Foundation.

The walk covers a variety of terrains and suitable for those who are proficient walkers. The walk requires reasonable map-reading skills and takes around 5 to 6 hours depending upon how long visitors spend in each building and how fast they walk. The ground can become difficult underfoot during periods of very wet weather, particularly at the start and finish of the walk. Suitable footwear is essential.

It is hoped that the services of a guide will eventually be made available to those who require one. The buildings can only be visited during daylight hours and walkers cannot stay overnight. It is hoped in the future that Job’s Well and Northdale Head House (when completed) may be seen at dawn or dusk, but this will only be by special arrangement. The Rosedale Estate has generously allowed a permissive path to be established between buildings where there is no public right of way. The permissive sections of the walk can be accessed by those holding a key.

We are looking at how we can make parts of Hanging Stones accessible to all by offering a shorter section of the walk to those who require it.

Those walking Hanging Stones assume the responsibility of opening and closing the buildings. Walkers are expected to treat the valley, the buildings and their contents with respect; gates should be closed and dogs kept on a lead. Details of local accommodation and services can be found at rosedaleabbey.com. There are no facilities along the route. For further information contact info@hangingstones.org. See also: Ebenezer and Iron at andygoldsworthystudio.com.