INSPIRATION - Andy Goldsworthy’s Hanging Stones

Around this time last year I walked Andy Goldsworthy’s Hanging Stones in the North York Moors near Rosedale Abbey — an experience that has stayed with me deeply ever since. Conceived as an ongoing artwork commissioned by the Ross Foundation, Hanging Stones is a six-mile walking route through the valley of Northdale that connects a series of rebuilt stone buildings, each transformed by Goldsworthy into sculptural spaces.

Rather than existing as isolated works, the entire journey is intended to be experienced as one singular artwork, where the act of walking, the weather, the terrain, and the changing landscape become as important as the buildings themselves.

Goldsworthy’s practice has always centred around the relationship between human presence and the land, and in Hanging Stones he speaks about revealing the “energy” already held within a place — its histories, labour, erosion, and memory.

I have purposely refrained from sharing photographs of the interiors of each cabin, so as not to diminish the sense of discovery and magic that unfolds along the walk itself. Instead, I wanted to focus on the quieter details — the subtle gestures and clues that offer a glimpse into the experience without fully revealing it.

A few insider tips if you’re planning the walk: there are no toilets along the route, so it really is a case of nature wees only. Give yourself at least four hours — longer if, like me, you want to sit with the work and move through it slowly. Bring a fully charged phone or battery pack, wear proper footwear, and don’t forget lunch and water, as there are no facilities on the trail. You also can’t simply turn up on the day; booking is essential, and places sell out quickly. I booked mine almost as soon as the booking window opened.

Most importantly, allow yourself to fully experience the moment. As I walked, I found myself beginning to notice patterns, textures, and details within the landscape that I imagined might somehow foreshadow the next building. The entire experience subtly shifts the way you look at the world around you. It is one of the most unique artistic experiences I’ve encountered, and one that stays with you long after you leave the valley — perhaps even forever.

You can view my available artwork here. And find me on IG here