Ash Hill Spinneys

Wood, Forest in Bedfordshire

England

Ash Hill Spinneys

St Pancras - Bradford express approaching Souldrop Summit near Sharnbrook View SE, towards London: ex-Midland St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield main line. On the left can just be seen the Slow lines, which from Souldrop (north of Sharnbrook) to Irchester took a separate track east of the Fast lines on an easier gradient and through a tunnel. The 14.00 from St Pancras should reach Bradford via Leeds at 19.20: Stanier 'Jubilee' 6P 4-6-0 No. 45612 'Jamaica' (with Fowler tender) (built 7/34, withdrawn 3/64) probably worked as far as Leeds.
St Pancras - Bradford express approaching Souldrop Summit near Sharnbrook Credit: Ben Brooksbank

Ash Hill Spinneys is a charming woodland area located in Bedfordshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 20 acres, it is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The spinneys are predominantly made up of ash trees, hence the name, which provide a dense and picturesque canopy. The woodland is characterized by its mature trees, with some dating back several centuries, creating a sense of tranquility and history.

The forest floor is covered with a diverse range of flora, including bluebells, wood anemones, and wild garlic, which create a stunning display of colors during the spring months. This vibrant undergrowth provides an ideal habitat for various species of birds, insects, and small mammals.

Several walking paths wind through the spinneys, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These well-maintained trails meander through the ancient woodland, offering glimpses of wildlife and providing an opportunity for peaceful reflection. The paths are suitable for all abilities, making it an accessible destination for families and individuals of all ages.

Ash Hill Spinneys has become a popular spot for nature walks, birdwatching, and nature photography. The tranquil surroundings and abundance of wildlife make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether visitors are seeking a peaceful stroll or a deeper connection with nature, Ash Hill Spinneys offers a serene and enchanting experience.

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Ash Hill Spinneys Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.239879/-0.58108629 or Grid Reference SP9661. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St Pancras - Bradford express approaching Souldrop Summit near Sharnbrook View SE, towards London: ex-Midland St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield main line. On the left can just be seen the Slow lines, which from Souldrop (north of Sharnbrook) to Irchester took a separate track east of the Fast lines on an easier gradient and through a tunnel. The 14.00 from St Pancras should reach Bradford via Leeds at 19.20: Stanier 'Jubilee' 6P 4-6-0 No. 45612 'Jamaica' (with Fowler tender) (built 7/34, withdrawn 3/64) probably worked as far as Leeds.
St Pancras - Bradford express approaching Souldrop Summit near Sharnbrook
View SE, towards London: ex-Midland St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield main line. On the left can just be seen the Slow lines, which from Souldrop (north of Sharnbrook) to Irchester took a separate track east of the Fast lines on an easier gradient and through a tunnel. The 14.00 from St Pancras should reach Bradford via Leeds at 19.20: Stanier 'Jubilee' 6P 4-6-0 No. 45612 'Jamaica' (with Fowler tender) (built 7/34, withdrawn 3/64) probably worked as far as Leeds.
St Pancras - Manchester express approaching Souldrop Summit View SE, towards Bedford and London: ex-Midland Main Line, St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield, also Manchester via Derby and the Peak Line. The Slow lines here are dropping away on the left on an easier gradient through Sharnbrook Tunnel. The 14.15 from St Pancras (due Manchester Central 18.35) conveyed through coaches for Buxton. It is double-headed, with Johnson/Deeley ex-Midland 2P 4-4-0 No. 40485 (withdrawn 8/57) piloting Stanier 5MT 4-6-0 No. 44938 (built 11/45, withdrawn 10/67).
St Pancras - Manchester express approaching Souldrop Summit
View SE, towards Bedford and London: ex-Midland Main Line, St Pancras - Leicester - Sheffield, also Manchester via Derby and the Peak Line. The Slow lines here are dropping away on the left on an easier gradient through Sharnbrook Tunnel. The 14.15 from St Pancras (due Manchester Central 18.35) conveyed through coaches for Buxton. It is double-headed, with Johnson/Deeley ex-Midland 2P 4-4-0 No. 40485 (withdrawn 8/57) piloting Stanier 5MT 4-6-0 No. 44938 (built 11/45, withdrawn 10/67).
Down fast freight approaching Souldrop Summit, Sharnbrook View SE, towards Bedford and London: Midland Main Line from St Pancras. Headed by BR 9F 2-10-0 No. 92164 (built 4/58, withdrawn 7/66), a Down Class C freight is running on the easier Slow lines which penetrated the ridge between the Ouse and Nene valleys in a tunnel, while the Fast lines went over the summit - cf. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2745878">SP9860 : St Pancras - Manchester express approaching Souldrop Summit</a>. [I was travelling on a Down train on the latter, hence the less than perfect photograph].
Down fast freight approaching Souldrop Summit, Sharnbrook
View SE, towards Bedford and London: Midland Main Line from St Pancras. Headed by BR 9F 2-10-0 No. 92164 (built 4/58, withdrawn 7/66), a Down Class C freight is running on the easier Slow lines which penetrated the ridge between the Ouse and Nene valleys in a tunnel, while the Fast lines went over the summit - cf. SP9860 : St Pancras - Manchester express approaching Souldrop Summit. [I was travelling on a Down train on the latter, hence the less than perfect photograph].
Kettering - Bedford stopping train near Souldrop Summit View NW, towards Wellingborough, Kettering etc., ex-Midland main line from London St Pancras. On the Up Fast, the 14.36 from Kettering is headed by LMS Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46403 (built 12/46, withdrawn 7/64). The Slow lines coming from their separate tunnel through the summit are just out of sight down on the right.
Kettering - Bedford stopping train near Souldrop Summit
View NW, towards Wellingborough, Kettering etc., ex-Midland main line from London St Pancras. On the Up Fast, the 14.36 from Kettering is headed by LMS Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46403 (built 12/46, withdrawn 7/64). The Slow lines coming from their separate tunnel through the summit are just out of sight down on the right.
The Bedford Arms Walker friendly pub. Enjoyed a pint of Brainstorm, a bitter from the Hopping Mad Brewery at nearby Olney.
The Bedford Arms
Walker friendly pub. Enjoyed a pint of Brainstorm, a bitter from the Hopping Mad Brewery at nearby Olney.
A small village green, Souldrop The fire beacon was a Millennium project constructed by a local engineering firm.
A small village green, Souldrop
The fire beacon was a Millennium project constructed by a local engineering firm.
Name changes A sign attached to the fire beacon on the small green in Souldrop shows how the village name has changed over the past few hundred years.
Name changes
A sign attached to the fire beacon on the small green in Souldrop shows how the village name has changed over the past few hundred years.
Blackmere Farm In the vicinity of the Santa Pod Raceway at least you could hear it if not see it.
Blackmere Farm
In the vicinity of the Santa Pod Raceway at least you could hear it if not see it.
Forty Foot Lane Near the village of Souldrop.
Forty Foot Lane
Near the village of Souldrop.
Village Green, Souldrop One of two Greens in Souldrop.
Village Green, Souldrop
One of two Greens in Souldrop.
Yellow Taxi A bit of brightness on a dull day and you're thinking "There's a song about a yellow taxi" so, courtesy of Joni Mitchell, sing along to <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.lyrics007.com/Joni%20Mitchell%20Lyrics/Big%20Yellow%20Taxi%20Lyrics.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.lyrics007.com/Joni%20Mitchell%20Lyrics/Big%20Yellow%20Taxi%20Lyrics.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Yellow Taxi
A bit of brightness on a dull day and you're thinking "There's a song about a yellow taxi" so, courtesy of Joni Mitchell, sing along to LinkExternal link
All Saints, Souldrop
All Saints, Souldrop
All Saints, Souldrop - East end
All Saints, Souldrop - East end
All Saints, Souldrop - Font
All Saints, Souldrop - Font
All Saints, Souldrop - Interior
All Saints, Souldrop - Interior
Tower House
Tower House
Entrance to Santa Pod Raceway
Entrance to Santa Pod Raceway
Village Green, Souldrop
Village Green, Souldrop
Show me another place!

Ash Hill Spinneys is located at Grid Ref: SP9661 (Lat: 52.239879, Lng: -0.58108629)

Unitary Authority: Bedford

Police Authority: Bedfordshire

What 3 Words

///starlight.fetch.translate. Near Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.239879,-0.58108629
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.2361185/-0.5848023
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.2369348/-0.5863068
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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