Ben Wood

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Ben Wood

Bleaberry Gill Ford This is Bleaberry Gill Ford shown under a Hunter Moon. — Bleaberry Gill Ford Credit: John Walton

Ben Wood is a picturesque forest located in Yorkshire, England. Spread across an area of approximately 1,000 acres, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The woodland is characterized by its dense and diverse collection of trees, predominantly consisting of oak, beech, and birch. The forest floor is covered in a rich carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, creating a vibrant and enchanting atmosphere.

The woodland is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a wide array of bird species. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy birdwatching as they spot species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds. The forest also provides a habitat for a diverse range of insects and small mammals.

Ben Wood offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, catering to all levels of fitness and hiking experience. Visitors can explore the forest on foot, immersing themselves in the tranquil surroundings and taking in the breathtaking views. There are also designated picnic areas, allowing visitors to enjoy a peaceful lunch amidst the natural beauty.

The woodland is managed by the Yorkshire Forest Commission, which ensures the preservation and conservation of the ecosystem. They also organize educational programs and guided tours, providing visitors with insights into the forest's history, ecology, and importance in the region.

Overall, Ben Wood, Yorkshire is a captivating destination for those seeking solace in nature. With its lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and serene atmosphere, it offers a rejuvenating experience for all who venture into its depths.

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Ben Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.410447/-1.9947125 or Grid Reference NZ0001. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bleaberry Gill Ford

This is Bleaberry Gill Ford shown under a Hunter Moon.

John Walton

Cringley Ford

This is another ford on Blueberry Gill.

John Walton

Track leading onto Turf Moor

Heads away from the moorland road between Arkengarthdale and Low Row

Chris Heaton

On Turf Moor

Moorland road between Low Row in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale

Chris Heaton

Kay Hushes

The landscape has taken heavy punishment from a long dead lead mining industry

Chris Heaton

Mine spoil and trees above Arkengarthdale

The mine spoil appears to be finally divided and might be crushed material, waste from the initial processing of ore once it was mined. The trees are in the upper part of Tottergill Pasture. The valley of Shaw Beck is sunlit in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Old Boundary Marker at Fore Gill Gate

Parish Boundary Marker on the east side of the minor road at Fore Gill Gate between Langthwaite and Feetham. Before 1866 this might have marked the boundary of Grinton and Arkengarthdate parishes, but now on the boundary of Arkengarthdale and Reeth, Fremington and Healaugh parishes. Milestone Society National ID: YN_REEARK05pb

M Hatton

Bridge and steps at Cringley Bottom

The bridge replaces one first erected some 12 years ago. On the far side are some 82 steps which make the ascent to the moor edge rather easier. There could be further improvements here using new funding, as the Coast to Coast path is now designated as an official long distance path.

Gordon Hatton

Moorland in late summer

The view along the wallside above Cringley Bottom, looking towards Fore Gill Gate. On the fellsides the heather is in full bloom.

Gordon Hatton

Grouse butts above Bleaberry Gill

I suspect these rather basic wooden butts are along the same line as some stone and turf butts that I photographed in 2012. If so, the butts appear to have gone further 'down market'.

Gordon Hatton

Lane descending to Storthwaite Hall

Storthwaite Hall is a farm in Arkengarthdale close to the stream's confluence with Slei Gill. The walled lane, a bridleway, climbs from the farm on to the open hillside above.

Trevor Littlewood

Arkle Beck at Langthwaite

Arkle Beck is the river draining Arkengarthdale which is a tributary valley of Swaledale. Here it's passing the small settlement at Langthwaite which is accessed by the bridge from the main road through the valley.

Trevor Littlewood

Gravestones at Arkle Town

Arkle Town is a small settlement of Arkengarthdale. There's no longer a church in Arkle Town and the graveyard has just a few gravestones; it appears to have been virtually abandoned. The chapel at Arkle Town was replaced by the present parish church of St Mary, Arkengarthdale in 1820. (Thanks to Stephen Craven for that additional information.)

Trevor Littlewood

Arkle Town

A minor road in the small settlement of Arkle Town in Arkengarthdale. The road is heading towards the main thoroughfare through the valley which itself is just a minor road.

Trevor Littlewood

Descending Fell End Lead workings

Taken from a little higher on the bridleway than last year's NZ0202 : Descending Fell End Lead workings and a month earlier so that the bracken has not yet turned. The workings on Fell End Moor have been severely hushed and eroded, with the waste rock quite hostile to new vegetation, leaving an ugly scar. The violent storm of summer 2019 also added to the erosion, but the bridleway still picks its way successfully down by a zig zag route. The cairn seen on the horizon marks the Northwest end of Fremington Edge, a splendid five kilometre romp once you're up there - though almost all routes to reach it from Arkengarthdate are steep. The views are excellent on a clear day, but it is invariably windier than you'd expected.

Andy Waddington

Two barns in Arkengarthdale

The small barns are on the south-western side of the road through the valley. The one in stone appears to be surviving better than that in wood and in fact its roof seems to have been replaced fairly recently.

Trevor Littlewood

Graveyard at Arkle Town

Arkle Town is a small settlement in Arkengarthdale. The gravestone in the foreground is that of Ann Harker, wife of John, who died on the 6th. of May 1809 aged 42. There's now no church at Arkle Town, the chapel there was replaced by the present parish church of St Mary, Arkengarthdale in 1820. (That information was provided by Stephen Craven in relation to another image.)

Trevor Littlewood