Bracken Ridge Plantation

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire Harrogate

England

Bracken Ridge Plantation

Lofthouse, Haver Close Haver Close is an upland farm near Lofthouse in Nidderdale. This south-east facing wall of a stone barn is situated on the east of the farm track. There is a very clear bench mark cut into the gable end of the barn. — Lofthouse, Haver Close Credit: Mel Towler

Bracken Ridge Plantation, located in Yorkshire, is a picturesque woodland area renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Covering a sprawling area of land, the plantation is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

The woodland is predominantly composed of oak, beech, and birch trees, which create a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter to a variety of flora and fauna. The forest floor is adorned with an array of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding vibrancy to the landscape.

Bracken Ridge Plantation boasts an extensive network of walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the woodland at their own pace. These trails meander through the forest, leading to hidden clearings, babbling brooks, and enchanting glades. The plantation is a popular destination for hikers, joggers, and cyclists, who relish in the tranquility and serenity of the surroundings.

The woodland is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous species of birds. Birdwatchers flock to Bracken Ridge Plantation to catch a glimpse of rare and migratory birds that frequent the area.

In addition to its natural beauty, the plantation also holds historical significance. It is believed to have been used as a hunting ground by nobles and aristocrats in medieval times. The remnants of old hunting lodges and stone walls can still be seen within the woodland, serving as a reminder of its rich heritage.

Overall, Bracken Ridge Plantation is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance.

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Bracken Ridge Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.187172/-1.8403962 or Grid Reference SE1076. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lofthouse, Haver Close

Haver Close is an upland farm near Lofthouse in Nidderdale. This south-east facing wall of a stone barn is situated on the east of the farm track. There is a very clear bench mark cut into the gable end of the barn.

Mel Towler

Lofthouse, Haver Close

A wider angle showing the farm Haver Close in the distance, at the top of the farm track. This stone barn is on the eastern side of the farm track. Cut into the gable end of the barn is a very clear benchmark. It is between 2 and 3 feet from ground level.

Mel Towler

Heather moorland above Nidderdale.

Looking back to Scarhouse reservoir.

steven ruffles

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This mark can be found on a bridge over the River Nidd near New Houses. For more detail see : Link

Peter Wood

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark with Pivot

This mark can be found on a boulder near Turnacar. For more detail see : Link

Peter Wood

Road to the reservoirs

Heading along the water board road towards Scar House and Angram reservoirs.

DS Pugh

Right turn in Nidderdale

The valley makes a 90° bend ahead which both the river and the road follow.

DS Pugh

Old barn by the Nidd

More of the roof has gone since my last visit SE0976 : Shelterless Barn.

DS Pugh

Disused Railway Tunnel by the Scar House Road

Now part of a small car park in Upper Nidderdale - this tunnel once contained part of the light railway that was used in the construction of Scar House and Angram Reservoirs, principally the enormous dams. It used to run all the way from Pateley Bridge, but was dismantled on completion of the project. Some call it Goyden Pot Tunnel.

Chris Heaton

Track above The Edge looking East

Unfortunately the cloud ceiling had dropped by the time I reached here - glimpses of a spectacular view over The Edge and Upper Nidderdale were available in gaps through wisps of mist.

Chris Heaton

Track above The Edge looking West

Unfortunately the cloud ceiling had dropped over my position high on the lip of Dale Edge - thus denying the spectacular views usually available from here towards Scar House Reservoir.

Chris Heaton

Fence near Thorny Grane Head

Remote stretch of moorland, with the cloud ceiling dropped to make a greater sense of isolation. The fence and boundary wall stretches all the way from Great Whernside to above Lofthouse - at least 10 miles in length.

Chris Heaton

Boundary Fence on Thorny Grane Head

The convenient track beside the fence does not last for long - it becomes very difficult terrain further towards South Haw.

Chris Heaton

Road outside Limley Farm

This is the long access road for Scar House and Angram Reservoirs and belongs to the water company. Much of it follows the course of an old railway line, used in the construction of the huge dams that hold back the waters of the upper reaches of Nidderdale. It is open to the general public.

Chris Heaton

River Nidd

Ben Douglas

Goyden Pot

If the water sinks near Manchester Hole are unable to take the full volume of the River Nidd, then it continues southwards to Goyden Pot and enters the Nidderdale Cave System here. Only if Goyden Pot cannot take the full river volume does it continue flowing above ground beyond this point. Note the stranded tree trunk to the left of the cave entrance, showing how much higher the river level can reach here.

David Tyers

Footbridge across the River Nidd

The footpath following the course of river Nidd crosses it at this point.

David Tyers

River Nidd next to Manchester Hole

At this point, the River Nidd is often dry, having sunk underground a short distance to the north of here. Manchester Hole (which appears to be right on the boundary with grid square SE1076) is on the far bank of the river among the bushes at the centre of this photograph, and provides an entrance into the Nidderdale Cave System.

David Tyers

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Bracken Ridge Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SE1076 (Lat: 54.187172, Lng: -1.8403962)

Division: West Riding

Administrative County: North Yorkshire

District: Harrogate

Police Authority: North Yorkshire