Virgin Hill Wood

Wood, Forest in Northumberland

England

Virgin Hill Wood

St Cuthbert.s Cave Just below the point St Cuthbert's Way meets St Oswald's Way at the summit of Fawcet Hill
St Cuthbert.s Cave Credit: Oliver Dixon

Virgin Hill Wood is a pristine woodland area located in the picturesque county of Northumberland, England. Situated in the northern part of the county, this enchanting forest covers an expansive area of approximately 500 acres. The wood derives its name from the adjacent Virgin Hill, a small hill that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The woodland is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees such as oak, ash, birch, and beech, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. These trees provide a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. Visitors to Virgin Hill Wood can expect to encounter species such as red squirrels, roe deer, and a variety of woodland birds.

The wood offers a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. The peaceful atmosphere and serene surroundings make it a perfect destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike.

Virgin Hill Wood also holds historical significance, with remnants of ancient structures and settlements scattered throughout the area. Archaeological evidence suggests that the wood has been inhabited for thousands of years, adding an additional layer of intrigue to its allure.

Managed by a local conservation organization, Virgin Hill Wood is actively protected and maintained to preserve its natural beauty and ecological importance. The wood is open to the public year-round, offering a tranquil and immersive experience for all who venture into its leafy depths.

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Virgin Hill Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.610798/-1.8849006 or Grid Reference NU0735. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St Cuthbert.s Cave Just below the point St Cuthbert's Way meets St Oswald's Way at the summit of Fawcet Hill
St Cuthbert.s Cave
Just below the point St Cuthbert's Way meets St Oswald's Way at the summit of Fawcet Hill
Farm track A grassy farm track which is also a public bridleway. The St Cuthberts Way long distance path follows the track.
Farm track
A grassy farm track which is also a public bridleway. The St Cuthberts Way long distance path follows the track.
Arable fields and forests Arable land and trees west of Swinhoe. A maturing crop of wheat is in the foreground. The plantation on the other side of the field is showing the effects of Storm Arwen, the previous December. The storm brought strong north-easterly winds which caused extensive damage to woodland in the local area, blowing down many mature trees.
Arable fields and forests
Arable land and trees west of Swinhoe. A maturing crop of wheat is in the foreground. The plantation on the other side of the field is showing the effects of Storm Arwen, the previous December. The storm brought strong north-easterly winds which caused extensive damage to woodland in the local area, blowing down many mature trees.
Grassland west of Swinhoe A large expanse of rough grassland being grazed by cattle. Beyond, the large plantation on the eastern flank of Cockenheugh is showing extensive damage which was caused by Storm Arwen in late November 2021. The storm brough strong winds which flattened large numbers of trees in the local area.
Grassland west of Swinhoe
A large expanse of rough grassland being grazed by cattle. Beyond, the large plantation on the eastern flank of Cockenheugh is showing extensive damage which was caused by Storm Arwen in late November 2021. The storm brough strong winds which flattened large numbers of trees in the local area.
A gate for a Public Footpath, within a fence that is swallowed up by the mist
A gate for a Public Footpath, within a fence that is swallowed up by the mist
Rough pasture, crags and forest at Dancing Green Hill
Rough pasture, crags and forest at Dancing Green Hill
St Cuthbert's Cave
St Cuthbert's Cave
Weathered sandstone  outcrop A very eroded and worn sandstone on the western edge of Cockenheugh.
Weathered sandstone outcrop
A very eroded and worn sandstone on the western edge of Cockenheugh.
Ancient Wooden Barn This barn near Swinhoe Farm is over 200 years old. The tiles on the roof are made of elm wood.
Ancient Wooden Barn
This barn near Swinhoe Farm is over 200 years old. The tiles on the roof are made of elm wood.
St Cuthbert's Cave Reputed to be one of the resting places of St Cuthbert's body after the monks left Lindisfarne with it following the sacking of the Priory by the Vikings. He was finally buried in what is now Durham Cathedral.
St Cuthbert's Cave
Reputed to be one of the resting places of St Cuthbert's body after the monks left Lindisfarne with it following the sacking of the Priory by the Vikings. He was finally buried in what is now Durham Cathedral.
Graffiti inside St Cuthbert's Cave Some of the graffiti is quite old dating back to the mid-19th Century, at least.
Graffiti inside St Cuthbert's Cave
Some of the graffiti is quite old dating back to the mid-19th Century, at least.
Cheviot viewed from near St Cuthbert's Cave
Cheviot viewed from near St Cuthbert's Cave
Path towards St. Cuthbert's Cave A tree lined path near St. Cuthbert's Cave.
Path towards St. Cuthbert's Cave
A tree lined path near St. Cuthbert's Cave.
Forest Track A forest track leading to Swinhoe Lakes
Forest Track
A forest track leading to Swinhoe Lakes
Inhabitants of Swinhoe Farm Calves looking forward to Spring.
Inhabitants of Swinhoe Farm
Calves looking forward to Spring.
St Cuthbert's Cave
St Cuthbert's Cave
Greensheen Hill trig
Greensheen Hill trig
Track through Shiellow Wood Following St Cuthbert's Way through woodland en route for Fenwick and the coast.
Track through Shiellow Wood
Following St Cuthbert's Way through woodland en route for Fenwick and the coast.
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Virgin Hill Wood is located at Grid Ref: NU0735 (Lat: 55.610798, Lng: -1.8849006)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria

What 3 Words

///prettiest.multiples.unimpeded. Near Belford, Northumberland

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.610798,-1.8849006
Swinhoe Crags
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 55.6136674/-1.8815531
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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