Pit Covert

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

Pit Covert

A69 heading west below Holm Bank The view is from a lay-by on the south side of the road just west of a bridge apparently named as Little Bridge. — A69 heading west below Holm Bank Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Pit Covert is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Northumberland, England. Situated in the heart of the Northumberland National Park, this enchanting forest covers an area of approximately 100 acres. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystem.

The woodland is predominantly composed of various species of deciduous and coniferous trees, such as oak, birch, and pine. The dense canopy created by these tall trees provides shelter and habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to its ethereal charm.

Pit Covert is crisscrossed by a network of walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its hidden corners and discover its hidden treasures. These trails cater to different levels of difficulty, making it accessible for both casual strollers and avid hikers. Along the way, visitors may come across ancient stone ruins and remnants of mining activity, reminding them of the area's rich history.

The woodland is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking tranquility away from the bustle of city life. It offers a peaceful and serene environment, providing an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Whether it be for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature, Pit Covert is a haven for those seeking solace in the Northumberland countryside.

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Pit Covert Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.990717/-2.2895683 or Grid Reference NY8166. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A69 heading west below Holm Bank

The view is from a lay-by on the south side of the road just west of a bridge apparently named as Little Bridge.

Trevor Littlewood

Lay-by on the A69 near Holm Bank

Steven Brown

West Mill Hills Cottage

P Gaskell

Minor road near Middle Lipwood

Steven Brown

Road junction near Chesterwood

Steven Brown

Field near Chesterfield Farm

The woodland to the right occupies the valley of the Honeycrook Burn. Within the wood can be found the remains of the Langley Barony Lead Mine, and, further downstream, Tony's Patch Nature Reserve.

Oliver Dixon

Industrial relic?

At Chestewood . It is not clear whether this a fireplace of a long-demolished domestic building, or some relic of former industry in the locality.

Oliver Dixon

Barn at Chesterwood

For speculation about the stone structure in the middle distance, see NY8365 : Industrial relic?.

Oliver Dixon

Chesterwood

Hamlet near Haydon Bridge including relics of bastles.

Oliver Dixon

Memorial bench near Chesterfield Farm

Haydon Bridge is extraordinarily well provided with public benches - we encountered no fewer than five on a five-kilometre circuit. This is a particular fine example with a sturdy wooden bench on a solid concrete base. It commemorates Kenneth Smith (1932-2022) who used to live in the vicinity. Chesterfield Farm NY8366 can be seen on the skyline amongst the trees.

Oliver Dixon

Chesterfield Farm

Oliver Dixon

Field near Chesterfield Farm

The valley of the Honeycrook Burn lies in the middle distance.

Oliver Dixon

Bastle house at Chesterwood (3)

In August 2010, renovation of this old bastle house was in progress - see NY8365 : Bastle house at Chesterwood and NY8365 : Bastle house at Chesterwood (2). According to Ramm, McDowall and Mercer in "Shielings and Bastles" (1970) this "small two-storey building measures 27 ft by 22 ft (approx) externally. The lower storey has walls about 3½ ft thick, the E end being built on a base course of large unshaped boulders. The upper storey has walls only 1½ ft thick. The W gable wall is carried up to a parapet finished with specially shaped stones and has a chimney." See also NY8265 : Bastle house no.2 at Chesterwood, NY8265 : Bastle house no.3 at Chesterwood, NY8265 : Cottages at Chesterwood and NY8265 : Cottages at Chesterwood (2).

Mike Quinn

Bastle house no.2 at Chesterwood

According to Ramm, McDowall and Mercer in "Shielings and Bastles" (1970) "this two-storey building measures 22 ft by 29 ft (approx) externally, with walls averaging nearly 3 ft thick. The W end wall is slightly thicker (3½ ft) and belongs to an earlier building which ran westwards and has been replaced by a house of the 19th century. The building has a doorway to the lower storey on the S side and on the same side an outside stone stairway leading to the upper storey." I am grateful to Dave Clark for the info that this building was once called "The Golf House". The owner of the bastle told me that in the early part of the 20th century it was used as a clubhouse by those playing golf on a nearby course (of which, no trace now remains). See also NY8365 : Bastle house at Chesterwood (3), NY8265 : Bastle house no.3 at Chesterwood, NY8265 : Cottages at Chesterwood and NY8265 : Cottages at Chesterwood (2).

Mike Quinn

Bastle house no.3 at Chesterwood

According to Ramm, McDowall and Mercer in "Shielings and Bastles" (1970) "this long building now of one lofty storey only is used as a farm store. The walling is of large random blocks, roughly coursed and with small packing pieces between them {see NY8265 : Bastle house no.3 at Chesterwood - detail of wall}. The building is divided into two by a cross-wall which originally formed the E end wall of the W part; the E part was built later. The walls vary in thickness: to the N 3 ft, to the south 3½ ft, to the E 3¾ ft. There are doorways, now blocked, 6 ft from each end of the S front and a small vent in the W part. Small offsets in the walls, now some 5 ft above floor level, presumably carried the timbers for an upper floor which has been completely removed, and the walls have been reduced in height." See also NY8365 : Bastle house at Chesterwood (3), NY8265 : Bastle house no.2 at Chesterwood, NY8265 : Cottages at Chesterwood and NY8265 : Cottages at Chesterwood (2).

Mike Quinn