Blackscar Wood

Wood, Forest in Westmorland Eden

England

Blackscar Wood

Blackscar Wood is a picturesque forest located in the county of Westmorland, England. Covering an area of approximately 300 acres, it is a significant natural landmark in the region. The wood is characterized by its dense and ancient woodland, with tall oak, beech, and ash trees dominating the landscape. The forest floor is carpeted with a rich variety of plant species, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

The wood is known for its tranquil atmosphere and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Several walking trails meander through the forest, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its beauty and discover hidden gems along the way. The paths are well-maintained, making it accessible for all ages and abilities.

The wood is also home to a wide array of wildlife. Birdwatchers often flock to Blackscar Wood to catch a glimpse of rare and migratory species, such as the redstart and pied flycatcher. The forest is also a haven for mammals like badgers, foxes, and deer, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation.

In addition to its natural beauty, Blackscar Wood also holds historical significance. The forest has existed for centuries and has witnessed various human activities over time. Remnants of ancient settlements and iron mining activities can still be found within its boundaries, offering a glimpse into the area's rich history.

Overall, Blackscar Wood is a captivating and diverse woodland that offers visitors a unique and immersive natural experience, rich in both beauty and history.

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Blackscar Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.491996/-2.2546443 or Grid Reference NY8310. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The road to Kaber

John H Darch

Barn by Swine Gill

John H Darch

Ruined barn west of River Belah

Mickle Fell can be seen on the horizon.

John H Darch

Belah Viaduct ( Barras )

The stone buttresses of the once mighty Belah Viaduct, on the redundant railway to Kirkby Stephen from Barnard Castle.

DTwigg

T-Junction at Barras

Approaching this junction along the road from Tan Hill Inn, you get advance warning because the junction is at the end of a steep hill on a bend.

G Laird

Tree Line, Hocker Gill

Looking over an empty pasture towards the purple tinged birches growing in Hocker Gill

Michael Graham

Footpath by the Belah

An unmarked route heads through pastureland beside the swiftly flowing river to Oxenthwaite Bridge.

Karl and Ali

Footpath above Hocker Gill

The route passes through pastureland, crossing a tributary of the wooded gill before reaching the minor road beyond.

Karl and Ali

Waterfall and barn, Swine Gill

Just below the road the beck falls over a substantial drop. It does not have a name on the map so I shall christen it 'Swine Gill Force' since it is certainly deserves to be noticed.

Karl and Ali

Footpath to Powleyclose Bridge

Below New Hall the path drops down towards the wooded Belah through pastureland. High on the far side is the southern abutment of the old Belah Viaduct.

Karl and Ali

The River Belah at Powleyclose Bridge

The river descends steeply over shelves and boulders of limestone and sandstone. Just above is an intact stone field barn.

Karl and Ali

Masonry blocks, Bela Viaduct

These massive blocks of sandstone masonry have been left perched by the brink of the southern abutment. They were left here after the iron latticework span Link

was dismantled in 1963. In the distance, across the great gulf of the Belah valley can be seen the northern abutment.

Karl and Ali

Heggerscales Lane above Coldkeld Bridge

This quiet lane with Coldkeld Beck rushing alongside is actually quite pleasant to walk along.

Karl and Ali

Farmhouse and outbuilding at Coldkeld

'Keld' is Old Norse for a well or spring and, sure enough, there is a Coldkeld Spring just to the south east.

Karl and Ali

Ruined signal box by the Belah Viaduct

The roof beams have completely disappeared since 2008 NY8310 : Belah Viaduct signal box

Karl and Ali

The road to Wrenside

Karl and Ali

Autumn trees above Swine Gill

The low light from the setting sun catching these trees had attracted my attention from much higher up the hillside, to the extent that I descended much further than had been my original plan. Just in time, too, as layers of low cloud coming and going took the light away a minute or so later and it didn't return until I had climbed back up to the east. The dark depression to the left is where Swine Gill cuts down steeply as it leaves the moor, but is crossed by the embankment of the long-defunct South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway as it heads north from the Belah viaduct to the village of Barras on its way to the Stainmore summit..

Andy Waddington

Bridleway towards New Hall

A very easy to follow bridleway crosses the western slopes of Middle Fell from the minor road above Barras and turns sharply downhill towards New Hall. It is deflected from its course as it leaves the CROW Access Land and meets what is shown on older maps as a public road to High Ewebank (in yellow) but now appears merely as a track from a kilometre north of New Hall. In this late afternoon November view, the valley of the River Belah is illuminated by the low sun, which has temporarily deserted your photographer owing to a low stratus cloud near the western horizon.

Andy Waddington

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Blackscar Wood is located at Grid Ref: NY8310 (Lat: 54.491996, Lng: -2.2546443)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Eden

Police Authority: Cumbria