Backhouse Wood

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Backhouse Wood

Footpath south of Spring Gill Wolsingham North Moor rises on the left.
Footpath south of Spring Gill Credit: Andrew Curtis

Backhouse Wood is a picturesque woodland located in County Durham, England. Covering an area of approximately 30 hectares, this enchanting forest is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst the bustling city life. The wood is situated within close proximity to the city of Durham, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

The wood is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, offering a rich habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Visitors can expect to encounter a wide array of trees, including oak, ash, birch, and beech, which create a dense canopy overhead. These towering trees provide a sense of seclusion and shade, making the wood an ideal spot for peaceful walks and picnics.

Backhouse Wood also boasts a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These pathways wind through the forest, offering glimpses of vibrant wildflowers, moss-covered rocks, and bubbling streams along the way. The wood's tranquil ambiance is further enhanced by the soothing sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves.

Furthermore, Backhouse Wood is home to a number of rare and protected species, such as the red squirrel and various woodland birds. Birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of woodpeckers, nuthatches, and treecreepers among the treetops, while the lucky few may spot a deer or two grazing amidst the undergrowth.

Overall, Backhouse Wood is a captivating natural oasis that offers a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its diverse flora and fauna, well-maintained trails, and peaceful atmosphere, it provides a perfect escape for those seeking solace in nature.

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Backhouse Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.771271/-1.8903526 or Grid Reference NZ0741. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footpath south of Spring Gill Wolsingham North Moor rises on the left.
Footpath south of Spring Gill
Wolsingham North Moor rises on the left.
Tunstall Reservoir
Tunstall Reservoir
Tunstall Reservoir On the path from Salters Gate to Tunstall Reservoir. The reservoir was almost empty at the time.
Tunstall Reservoir
On the path from Salters Gate to Tunstall Reservoir. The reservoir was almost empty at the time.
Near Salters Gate The wall supported the platform edge on the railway which ran between Consett and Tow Law. Beyond the gate leads to Salter's Gate.
Near Salters Gate
The wall supported the platform edge on the railway which ran between Consett and Tow Law. Beyond the gate leads to Salter's Gate.
Tunstall Reservoir, - the Dam Seen from the Wolsingham to Tunstall footpath that runs up the East side of the Waskerley Beck.
Tunstall Reservoir, - the Dam
Seen from the Wolsingham to Tunstall footpath that runs up the East side of the Waskerley Beck.
Disused Rail Depot on Wolsingham North Moor Above the Tunstall Reservoir at its North end, the farm track ascends to this abandoned rail depot. This was once part of an extensive rail network up on the moors that was used for transporting mineral ores.
Disused Rail Depot on Wolsingham North Moor
Above the Tunstall Reservoir at its North end, the farm track ascends to this abandoned rail depot. This was once part of an extensive rail network up on the moors that was used for transporting mineral ores.
Tunstall Reservoir
Tunstall Reservoir
Old quarry The remains of the now disused Quickburn Quarry.
Old quarry
The remains of the now disused Quickburn Quarry.
Geese by Tunstall Reservoir
Geese by Tunstall Reservoir
Tunstall Reservoir Just south of the car park and picnic site.
Tunstall Reservoir
Just south of the car park and picnic site.
Parallel walls,  Saltersgate Lane Saltersgate Lane, of which this is the southernmost extension, is a 1.5 km straight road between widely spaced walls which isn't going anywhere obviously useful. It is probable that it served way back in time as both a drovers road and as a salt road. There are many relics of the Burnhill Junction Munitions Dump (closed 1969) nearby.
Parallel walls, Saltersgate Lane
Saltersgate Lane, of which this is the southernmost extension, is a 1.5 km straight road between widely spaced walls which isn't going anywhere obviously useful. It is probable that it served way back in time as both a drovers road and as a salt road. There are many relics of the Burnhill Junction Munitions Dump (closed 1969) nearby.
Salter's Gate Road junction high on the windswept moors above the Tunstall Reservoir. Saltersgate Lane <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/357610">NZ0742 : Parallel walls,  Saltersgate Lane</a> lies to the left.
Salter's Gate
Road junction high on the windswept moors above the Tunstall Reservoir. Saltersgate Lane NZ0742 : Parallel walls, Saltersgate Lane lies to the left.
Woodland near Salter's Gate
Woodland near Salter's Gate
A spot of rural dereliction Access to the disused Quickburn Quarry.
A spot of rural dereliction
Access to the disused Quickburn Quarry.
Tunstall Reservoir looking towards the dam
Tunstall Reservoir looking towards the dam
North end of Thistlewood Lane Where the tarmac ends at Thistlewood Farm, Thistlewood Lane continues as a moorland track and connects the Wolsingham Road to Salter's Gate. At this point it passes through a small area of open access land; enclosed farmland drops down to Tunstall Reservoir on the left.
North end of Thistlewood Lane
Where the tarmac ends at Thistlewood Farm, Thistlewood Lane continues as a moorland track and connects the Wolsingham Road to Salter's Gate. At this point it passes through a small area of open access land; enclosed farmland drops down to Tunstall Reservoir on the left.
Grouse butts on Wolsingham North Moor Rather unusually, this stretch of grouse moor is immediately adjacent to improved farm land. The A68 runs along the crest of the hill on the other side of the valley.
Grouse butts on Wolsingham North Moor
Rather unusually, this stretch of grouse moor is immediately adjacent to improved farm land. The A68 runs along the crest of the hill on the other side of the valley.
Old railway cutting on Wolsingham North Moor A branch railway of the Stockton and Darlington railway was constructed in 1845 to extend to Tow Law, Salter's Gate and beyond, long since closed <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://sites.google.com/site/waggonways/railways-durham" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://sites.google.com/site/waggonways/railways-durham">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>. Only a short part of the line where it crosses the moor is a public right of way, but a public footpath runs parallel to the line.
Old railway cutting on Wolsingham North Moor
A branch railway of the Stockton and Darlington railway was constructed in 1845 to extend to Tow Law, Salter's Gate and beyond, long since closed LinkExternal link. Only a short part of the line where it crosses the moor is a public right of way, but a public footpath runs parallel to the line.
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Backhouse Wood is located at Grid Ref: NZ0741 (Lat: 54.771271, Lng: -1.8903526)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham

What 3 Words

///rock.organist.glossed. Near Wolsingham, Co. Durham

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.771271,-1.8903526
Tunstall House Farm
Place: farm
Source Name: OS OpenData StreetView
Lat/Long: 54.7718509/-1.8967724
Barrier: entrance
Lat/Long: 54.7709365/-1.8856734
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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