Swinhope Plantation

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Swinhope Plantation

Minor Road at Swinhope Head The road begins a long descent into the Upper Tees Valley from here. — Minor Road at Swinhope Head Credit: Philip Cornwall

Swinhope Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in Durham, England. Situated in the northern part of the county, it covers an area of approximately 200 acres. The plantation is known for its dense forest, consisting mainly of oak, ash, and beech trees, which create a vibrant and diverse ecosystem.

The woodland is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers, offering a variety of walking trails that wind through the stunning landscape. These paths cater to all levels of fitness and provide opportunities to observe the local wildlife, including foxes, badgers, and a plethora of bird species. The plantation is also home to several rare and protected plant species, making it a haven for botanists and researchers.

Swinhope Plantation has a rich history, dating back to the 18th century when it was used for timber production. Today, remnants of the old sawmill and timber yard can still be seen, adding a touch of historical charm to the area. The plantation has since been carefully managed to ensure the preservation of its natural beauty, with conservation efforts focused on promoting sustainable forestry practices.

Visitors to Swinhope Plantation can enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the woodland, with designated picnic areas and benches available for relaxation. The site is easily accessible, with parking facilities nearby, and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling urban life of Durham city.

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Swinhope Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.705064/-2.1602287 or Grid Reference NY8934. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Minor Road at Swinhope Head

The road begins a long descent into the Upper Tees Valley from here.

Philip Cornwall

View from Swinhope Head towards Dora's Seat

Philip Cornwall

Pine trees in Swin Hope

Swin Hope is a tributary valley of the River Wear; it's seen here looking downhill towards the parent valley.

Trevor Littlewood

Road summit at Swinhope Head [2]

Quite a contrast to the last time I took a photograph here [22/03/18] as the temperature on that occasion was only a little above freezing, but on this occasion it was 33°C, even at 2000ft. Taken on a day of record breaking temperatures across Britain. Not much point in coming up here to keep cool.

Gordon Hatton

The start of a long descent

The minor road from Newbiggin to Westgate begins a long descent here from the 2000ft contour to below 1000ft in Weardale.

Gordon Hatton

Swinhope Plantation

First edition OS maps of the 1850's show an extensive area of trees around the upper reaches of the Swinhope Burn. This view shows the eastern edge of the wooded area with plenty of Scots pine in evidence. If the old OS map is accurate, then the wooded area is in decline as there are areas now without trees, but the question is, why was this area planted in the first place?

Gordon Hatton

Moorland south of Swinhope Head

Looking south west towards Mickle Fell (left) and Meldon Hill (right).

Mike Quinn

Swin Hope below Swinside House

Looking north east from just to the south of NY8935 : Swinside House (photographed by Oliver Dixon) across the valley towards the ruined farmhouse at NY9036 : Far New Close (3).

Mike Quinn

Swinhope Moor below Chapelfell Top

Mike Quinn

New House

Mike Quinn

Ruined building at Swinhopehead mine in 1994

The building is in the valley of the Swinhope Burn below the moorland summits, Chapel Fell and Fendrith Hill. The image was made from the water outflow of the actual mine level. The distant shadowed ridge is Black Fell.

Trevor Littlewood

Ruins of Cockran's Cabin

The tiny, remote building is now a total ruin. It's at an altitude of 620 metres and lies on the eastern side of Chapel Fell overlooking Swindale. The slopes on which it stands descend into Swindale, beyond which is Westernhope Moor.

Trevor Littlewood

Swinhope Plantation

The plantation is in the upper valley of Swin Hope, a tributary to the River Wear. The trees are well scattered and give the impression of an open, mixed woodland. The building with the rusting roof is known as New House.

Trevor Littlewood

Minor road on Newbiggin Common

Just below the summit at Swinhope Head which, at 609 metres above sea level, I believe is the highest public motorable road in England.

Oliver Dixon

Road summit at Swinhope Head

Cattle grid at the summit of the road from Newbiggin (Teesdale) to Westgate (Weardale) at Swinhope Head which, at 609 metres above sea level, I believe is the highest public motorable road in England.

Oliver Dixon

Descent into the valley of the Swinhope Burn

Dramatic descent on the road from Newbiggin (Teesdale) to Westgate (Weardale) from the summit at Swinhope Head which, at 609 metres above sea level, I believe is the highest public motorable road in England. Swinside House NY8935 can be seen on the flank of the valley to the left.

Oliver Dixon