Blackhouse Plantation

Wood, Forest in Cumberland Eden

England

Blackhouse Plantation

Station Road (A686) heading north out of Alston The road is climbing to cross Whitfield Moor passing a minor road on the left giving access to the railway station which now operates as a narrow gauge tourist attraction. The low walls at the side of the road are parapets of a bridge over the River Nent.
The Fuchs crane at the side of the road looks rather shabby. — Station Road (A686) heading north out of Alston Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Blackhouse Plantation is a stunning woodland located in the Cumberland region of England. Situated in the heart of the picturesque countryside, this plantation is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty, rich biodiversity, and historical significance. The plantation spans across a vast area, covering a dense forest of towering trees, lush greenery, and abundant wildlife.

The woodlands of Blackhouse Plantation are dominated by a variety of tree species, including oak, beech, ash, and birch. These majestic trees create a dense canopy that filters the sunlight, resulting in a cool and serene atmosphere. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to the enchanting ambiance of the plantation.

The plantation is not only a visual delight but also a haven for various species of fauna. It provides a thriving habitat for an array of wildlife, including deer, foxes, rabbits, and a diverse range of bird species. Nature enthusiasts and ornithologists flock to Blackhouse Plantation to witness the mesmerizing birdlife, which includes woodpeckers, owls, and various migratory birds.

In addition to its natural beauty, Blackhouse Plantation holds historical significance. It was once a site of charcoal production, as evidenced by the remnants of charcoal hearths scattered throughout the woodland. These hearths served as a vital resource for the local iron industry during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, Blackhouse Plantation offers a tranquil escape for visitors seeking solace in nature. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and intriguing historical background, this woodland is a true gem of Cumberland's countryside.

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Blackhouse Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.805119/-2.4642041 or Grid Reference NY7045. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Station Road (A686) heading north out of Alston

The road is climbing to cross Whitfield Moor passing a minor road on the left giving access to the railway station which now operates as a narrow gauge tourist attraction. The low walls at the side of the road are parapets of a bridge over the River Nent. The Fuchs crane at the side of the road looks rather shabby.

Trevor Littlewood

Buildings on east side of A686

The buildings are on the east side of the A686 in Alston. The right part of the stone building was for many years the Central Cafe and is well-remembered as the refreshment stop for the Wrights Brothers bus and coach service which ran (and hopefully will run again), between Newcastle and Keswick. It has been in a deteriorating state since its closure some decades ago. The white painted building is part of Henderson's Garage.

Trevor Littlewood

Building of the South Tynedale Railway

The building is adjacent to the line of the narrow gauge railway and has lines running into it so it's clearly used as a workshop or a storage facility for rolling stock. The South Tyne Trail which runs alongside the railway crosses from the east side to the west side of the line at the camera location.

Trevor Littlewood

Carriage sidings, Alston

The carriage sidings at the South Tynedale Railway close to the station of the narrow gauge railway.

Trevor Littlewood

Green Dragon at Alston Station

The Green Dragon being prepared for the 1300 hrs service from Alston Station to Slaggyford on the South Tynedale Railway. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

Through an arch of the Tyne Bridge

Looking upstream along the South Tyne from below the bridge that carries the A686.

Gordon Hatton

Alston Fire Station

Housed in the former Grammar School which has a date of 1828 above the small red door.

Gordon Hatton

Friends Meeting House, Alston

Quakerism in Alston can be traced back as far as 1668. This meeting house dates from 1732 with alterations in 1762-4.

Gordon Hatton

Alston Post Office

Situated in the centre of this tiny hill town, which at the time this photograph was taken had road works right in the middle of the main street. No traffic could get through and there were lengthy detours.

Gordon Hatton

South Tyne River

The South Tyne, a mile upstream from Alston.

Gordon Hatton

Pennine Way south of Alston

Looking south with the buildings at Low Nest to the left. The wall gap here is a bit of an exception to the general rule on the 2 miles or so of PW into Alston as there's also a series of rather testing stiles, which would not be greeted with enthusiasm by anyone walking the PW from south to north as they will already have trudged some 17 miles from Dufton, over the top of Cross Fell and down to the South Tyne valley.

Gordon Hatton

River South Tyne at the northern edge of Alston

This is the view of the river seen by walkers leaving Alston to the north on the South Tyne Trail.

Clive Nicholson

Front Street, Alston

The main street of Alston, which runs down steeply through the small town towards the South Tyne River.

Chris Heaton

Climbing up Front Street in Alston

The main street of this small market town rises steeply away from the South Tyne - seen here passing a row of dwellings and the local post office.

Chris Heaton

Market Place, Front Street, Alston

The Listed Grade II market cross, originally erected in 1764, has been rebuilt several times Link

Tim Heaton

'No 21 Carlisle' locomotive at Alston Station on the South Tynedale Railway

No 21 Carlisle is a four-wheel battery electric locomotives built by Clayton for Metronet Rail/Transport for London. It is seen here reversing to hitch up to carriages in preparation for the 1500 hrs departure to Slaggyford. Further information about the locomotives and stock on the South Tynedale Railway can be found at Link

This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21/22.

James T M Towill

River South Tyne, north of Alston

As with the nearby River Nent which is a tributary of the South Tyne, low water levels are being experienced. This view is captured from the adjacent footpath/cycleway which runs alongside the South Tynedale Railway. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21/22.

James T M Towill