The view southeast along the Wharfe Valley
Plan of the carvings on the top surface of the rock
This carved
rock stands high upon green Crag slack with fine views across Wharfedale.
Balanced on the edge of a steep ridge the flat slab of rock is covered with over
50 cup
marks as well as 6 complete rings and further half a dozen or so unfinished rings.
However the exposed position of the rock means that erosion now makes it difficult
to find many of these markings and the plan to the lower left of the page is copied
from a published diagram.
The reason for the carving of the cup marks on this rock would seem obvious from
the views of the surrounding landscape (see 180 degree panorama), but as always
with this form of rock art the purpose of the carvings remain unknown.
The Pancake Rock is visible from some considerable distance and getting to it
is fairly straightforward. Walk up past the Cow and Calf rocks and turn left then
continue along the edge of Green Crag slack for about 700 metres. If you are feeling
more athletic, walk along the the side of the road instead then straight up the
hillside to the stone - a steep climb but well worth it.
PRAWR = Prehistoric Rock Art of the
West Riding (Boughey and Vickerman 2003)
Glossary Item: Bronze
Age
