Biddick Woods

Wood, Forest in Durham

England

Biddick Woods

The Dun Cow, Bournmoor Credit: Philip Soakell

Biddick Woods is a charming woodland located in County Durham, England. Spanning over 100 acres, this ancient forest is nestled within the village of Biddick, near the town of Washington. The woods are a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, walkers, and families seeking a serene outdoor experience.

The woodland is primarily composed of broadleaf trees, including oak, ash, hazel, and birch, which create a dense canopy and provide a haven for a variety of wildlife. The forest floor is adorned with carpets of bluebells in the spring, adding a splash of color to the surroundings.

A network of well-maintained footpaths winds through the woods, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These paths meander through the ancient trees, providing opportunities to spot a diverse range of fauna, such as woodpeckers, treecreepers, and squirrels. Along the way, there are several benches and picnic spots, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the tranquility of the forest.

Biddick Woods also holds historical significance. It is said to have been in existence since medieval times, and remnants of old boundaries and ditches can still be found within the woodland. The area is also associated with local legends and folklore, adding an air of mystery to the woods.

Overall, Biddick Woods is a beautiful and enchanting forest in Durham, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its diverse flora and fauna, picturesque footpaths, and rich history, it is a must-visit destination for those seeking a connection with nature.

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Biddick Woods Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.868354/-1.5094381 or Grid Reference NZ3152. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Dun Cow, Bournmoor

Philip Soakell

The Dun Cow, Bournmoor

Philip Soakell

The Dun Cow, Bournmoor

Philip Soakell

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

Signpost detailing former railways and collieries in the Lambton area

David Robinson

Southern entrance to Elba Park

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

Oliver Dixon

The cavalry are coming!

Riding school on Lambton Lane, making for Elba Park.

Oliver Dixon

The cavalry are coming!

Riding school on Lambton Lane, making for Elba Park.

Oliver Dixon

Old railway bridge over Lambton Lane

There is another underpass for pedestrians just to the right but hidden by trees.

Oliver Dixon

Wooden waggonway monument

This monument records the discovery nearby of a network of old wooden waggonways constructed to serve the coalmine formerly located here. The waggonways in question may date back as far as 1790 and represent the most complete and extensive remains known in the country.

Oliver Dixon