Brusselton Wood

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Brusselton Wood

Brewer's Fayre Pub and Premier Inn - Bishop Auckland Credit: Anthony Parkes

Brusselton Wood, located in Durham, is a picturesque forest known for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, this woodland is a haven for nature enthusiasts and offers a serene retreat for those seeking tranquility.

The wood is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees, including oak, ash, beech, and birch, which create a dense canopy overhead. This lush foliage provides a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Visitors may catch a glimpse of woodland birds such as the great spotted woodpecker, tawny owl, and various species of warblers.

Brusselton Wood also features several well-maintained walking trails that wind through the forest, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the wood's natural wonders and enjoy its peaceful ambiance. These trails vary in length and difficulty, catering to both leisurely strolls and more adventurous hikes.

In addition to its natural beauty, Brusselton Wood also holds historical significance. The remnants of an ancient settlement, including a medieval motte-and-bailey castle, can be found within the wood, providing a glimpse into the area's rich past.

Overall, Brusselton Wood is a hidden gem in Durham, offering a tranquil escape from the busy city life. Whether you are an avid nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this woodland has something to offer everyone.

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Brusselton Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.620895/-1.687464 or Grid Reference NZ2025. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Brewer's Fayre Pub and Premier Inn - Bishop Auckland

Anthony Parkes

Footpath along old railway line near Brussleton

Dylan Chester

Public footpath near Shildon

A public footpath on the A6072 which is sadly overgrown by crops and inaccessible

Dylan Chester

Farm near Shildon

Dylan Chester

Stone sleepers on Brusselton Incline

The original route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway from Witton Park Colliery to Stockton untilised two rope hauled inclines, one at Brusselton and one near the pit at Witton Park. Brusselton incline took the railway over the low hills that form the watershed between the Wear and Tees valleys between Shildon and Bishop Auckland. A permanent stationary engine at the summit was used to power the rope worked incline. The Brusselton Incline remained in use until 1856. By that time the S&DR had tunnelled under the watershed when creating the branch to Bishop Auckland and Crook. A new line on the level was therefore built from the north end of the tunnel making Brusselton Incline redundant. The image shows original stone sleepers in situ on the northern side of Brusselton Incline.

David Robinson

Haggs Lane, Brusselton Wood

David Robinson

Bridleway above High West Thickley Farm

David Robinson

Flooded River Gaunless at Fylands bridge

David Robinson

Walking the dogs on Haggs Lane

Haggs Lane heading south, soon to start climbing towards Brusselton Wood.

Trevor Littlewood

Brusselton Incline rising to the west

The Brusselton Incline rising to the small settlement of Brusselton where there was a stationary steam engine used in the hauling and lowering of coal wagons on this, an original part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The stone sleepers have chiselled depressions in which sat the 'shoes' for holding the fish-bellied rails, every shoe being attached by four bolts. The sleepers are not of course in their original placements, the scene as it now appears being a restoration.

Trevor Littlewood

Brusselton incline descending eastwards

The eastern part of the Brusselton Incline seen from an abutment of an accommodation bridge east of the settlement of Brusselton itself.

Trevor Littlewood

Burnshouse Lane beyond barrier

The barrier would allow pedestrians and riders to cross on to the lane but restrict larger, powered vehicles from moving to the camera side. Burnshouse Lane continues ahead for a short distance; another dirt road, Haggs Lane, branches right, climbing towards Brusselton Wood.

Trevor Littlewood

Stone sleepers just east of Brusselton

Brusselton is a small settlement in County Durham on the original line of the Stockton to Darlington Railway; the stone sleepers are part of that route. 'Shoes' were bolted to the sleepers to which fish-bellied rails were attached. At the centre of the image in the distance, there's the sunlit buttress of an accommodation bridge, the deck of which has been lost.

Trevor Littlewood

Burnshouse Lane looking East

Burnshouse Lane with its new cycle friendly surface.

Peter Bainbridge

Hummerbeck Lane, West Auckland

Hummerbeck Lane with Low Hummerbeck Farm. This lane follows the line of the Roman Road from Binchester (Vindamora) to Bowes (Lavatris). Recently, the lane has been designated as part of the Walney to Wear Cycle Route (National Cycle Network, Regional Route 20), and affords a traffic-free but rather muddy route for cyclists between Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle.

Oliver Dixon