Biddick Gill Wood

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Biddick Gill Wood

Adit in riverbank near Cox Green One of several adits in the vicinity of Cox Green. The tunnels were used to extract sandstone from beneath Penshaw Hill for loading onto boats moored on the adjacent River Wear, — Adit in riverbank near Cox Green Credit: David Robinson

Biddick Gill Wood is a picturesque woodland area located in Durham, England. Covering an area of approximately 40 hectares, this tranquil forest is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The wood is situated near the village of Biddick, just a few miles southwest of the city of Durham. It is easily accessible by road and offers ample parking facilities for visitors. The wood is also well-served by public transportation, with regular bus services passing nearby.

Biddick Gill Wood is characterized by its diverse range of trees, including oak, beech, ash, and birch. The wood is particularly renowned for its bluebell displays in the springtime, attracting visitors from far and wide to witness the stunning carpet of vibrant blue flowers.

The wood is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, making it an ideal location for walking, hiking, and exploring. These paths wind their way through the forest, allowing visitors to discover the wood's hidden gems, such as a charming stream and a small waterfall.

The wood is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, including squirrels, birds, and several species of insects. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the opportunity to spot woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other feathered creatures in their natural habitat.

Overall, Biddick Gill Wood offers a tranquil escape into nature, providing a welcome respite for those looking to reconnect with the great outdoors. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or simply enjoying the serenity of the woodland, this picturesque forest has something to offer for everyone.

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Biddick Gill Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.87364/-1.5121322 or Grid Reference NZ3153. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Adit in riverbank near Cox Green

One of several adits in the vicinity of Cox Green. The tunnels were used to extract sandstone from beneath Penshaw Hill for loading onto boats moored on the adjacent River Wear,

David Robinson

Victoria Viaduct crossing the River Wear

Victoria Viaduct. Built by the Durham Junction Railway and opened in 1838 to take coal from the Houghton-le-Spring area to the Tyne. As the railways expanded the viaduct became part of the main line from Darlington to Newcastle, before being relegated to a secondary route when the main line took the new route via Durham and Team Valley in 1872. By the 1980s the route was little used except when work on the main line required diversions, finally closing in 1991. Though the track is lifted the line retains a ‘mothballed’ status so has not been severed or built on, and is frequently proposed for reopening either as a heavy rail route or part of the Tyne and Wear Metro.

David Robinson

Beneath Chartershaugh Bridge

The bridge carries the A182 Washington Highway across the River Wear.

David Robinson

Chartershaugh Bridge

The bridge carries the A182 Washington Highway across the River Wear.

David Robinson

Little used southern entrance to Biddick Hall

Biddick Hall is on the Lambton Estate and is the home of the Lambton family. This entrance leads to an avenue of trees in front of the house suggesting it was a more important and regularly used gateway in past times.

David Robinson

Disused railway trackbed at Bournmoor

The former Leamside route was the original main line from Darlington - Newcastle before being relegated to a secondary route when the main line took the new route via Durham and Team Valley in 1872. By the 1980s the route was little used except when work on the main line required diversions, finally closing in 1991. Though the track is lifted the line retains a ‘mothballed’ status so has not been severed or built on, and is frequently proposed for reopening either as a heavy rail route or part of the Tyne and Wear Metro.

David Robinson

Northern entrance to Elba Park

Elba Park is a country park established on the site of the former Lambton Colliery.

Oliver Dixon

River Wear from the New Bridge, Lambton Park

David Robinson

Riverside footpath, West Bridge Street

David Robinson

Penshaw Bridge

Bridge built 1890 connecting Penshaw and Fatfield across the River Wear.

David Robinson

New housing development at Bournmoor

Bournmoor is a village in County Durham closely associated with the Lambton estate. The road passing the village sign is the A183 beyond which is new housing development on land of the Lambton estate.

Trevor Littlewood

Church of St. Barnabas, Bournmoor

The brick-built church has associations with the Lambton family of the adjacent Lambton Castle estate. The tall, Lambton Memorial Cross can be seen just to the right of the porch. The graveyard is open and rather unkempt with many gravestones pitched away from the vertical, perhaps due to mining subsidence.

Trevor Littlewood

Part of the Disused Leamside Railway

Chris Heaton

Wapping Bridge

Carries the A183 over the disused Leamside Railway - passed by on the Weardale Way. Closed to all traffic by 1990, it ran from Tursdale Junction to the Durham Coast Line at Pelaw Junction. There are discussions afoot, to a possible re-opening. Gravel stones on the trackbed appear to be in place.

Chris Heaton

Entrance to Biddick Hall

A notice makes it clear to Weardale Way walkers, and any other pedestrian for that matter - this is not the direction of travel, and keep to the main track.

Chris Heaton

Weardale Way in Boddick Wood

A 77 mile route following the River Wear from the sea at the Lindesfarne Memorial, Sunderland to the headwaters in the east Pennines, keeping as close as is possible to the river. It visits Lumley Castle, Durham (where the Castle and Cathedral forms a World Heritage Site), Bishop Auckland and Stanhope. After Stanhope the Way makes a northward loop to Rookhope to take in part of a tributary, Rookhope Burn.

Chris Heaton