Coatenhill Reservoir

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Northumberland

England

Coatenhill Reservoir

Road crossing ford of River East Allen There&#039;s a mere trickle of water across the concrete of the ford near to Low Huntwell on this occasion but the water depth indicator to the right of the crossing suggests a depth of up to six feet might be possible: a frightening prospect! — Road crossing ford of River East Allen Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Coatenhill Reservoir is a picturesque freshwater lake located in Northumberland, England. Covering an area of approximately 20 acres, it serves as an important water source for the surrounding region. The reservoir was created by damming a small river, resulting in a calm and tranquil body of water.

Surrounded by lush vegetation and rolling hills, Coatenhill Reservoir offers a peaceful retreat for both locals and tourists alike. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, which are fed by natural springs. This ensures a healthy ecosystem and provides habitat for a variety of aquatic plants and animals.

The reservoir is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, with a diverse range of fish species including pike, perch, and trout. Anglers can be seen casting their lines from the banks or from small boats, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the chance to catch a prized fish.

In addition to its recreational opportunities, Coatenhill Reservoir also plays a vital role in the local ecology. It serves as a habitat for numerous bird species, such as mallards, swans, and herons, making it a prime location for birdwatching. The surrounding marshland acts as a nesting ground for several waterfowl species, providing a safe haven for breeding and raising their young.

Visitors to Coatenhill Reservoir can take advantage of the various walking trails that surround the lake, offering scenic views of the water and the surrounding countryside. The reservoir is easily accessible by car, with a parking area available for visitors. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, offering a peaceful and idyllic setting to enjoy the beauty of Northumberland's countryside.

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Coatenhill Reservoir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.827345/-2.2408444 or Grid Reference NY8448. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Road crossing ford of River East Allen

There's a mere trickle of water across the concrete of the ford near to Low Huntwell on this occasion but the water depth indicator to the right of the crossing suggests a depth of up to six feet might be possible: a frightening prospect!

Trevor Littlewood

Coatenhill Reservoir

Coatenhill Reservoir is one of a number constructed to supply water for power generation in the lead mines of East Allendale. It's in use now as a fishing lake.

Trevor Littlewood

Philipson's Fold

Philipson's Fold is on moorland overlooking East Allendale and is probably not actually a sheepfold. A sheepfold is a pen of some kind which can be used to confine animals. The structure here is in the form of a distorted 'H' shape and is probably more of a shelter about which sheep could gather for protection from weather coming from any direction.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland below route of bridleway

The heather and grass moorland is on a slope descending towards Swin Hope, a tributary valley of East Allendale; that main valley lies beyond the middle-distance ridge. The village of Allenheads is there, below the coniferous plantations.

Trevor Littlewood

Road beside 'protected verge'

An unusual notice beside the road: it tells that the verge is being 'positively managed' by Northumberland County Council to conserve wild plants. It gives no added information as to what measures are being taken or how the public should act as a result.

Trevor Littlewood

Black Way heading north

Black Way is a hill road on the west side of East Allendale. It's also the route used by the named walk, Isaac's Tea Trail which has joined it just behind the camera position.

Trevor Littlewood

Location of Sipton Lead Mines

The capped shaft of the Blackett Level at Sipton can be seen left, centre. This photo was taken as an attempt to reproduce an old photograph. The mine buildings were pulled down in 1950. The small building in the field (150 metres South Of Sipton Terrace), just right of centre, was the mine Powder House or explosive Store. Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link

Archive Link

Andrew Curtis

Lowshield Close, Ellershope Bridge, Spartylea

View of 'Spartylea Corner' c.1910 on Allen Valleys Local History Group website: Link

Archive Link

Andrew Curtis

St Peter's Church & Corn Mill from east

There is a similar view c.1905 on the website of the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link

Archive Link

Andrew Curtis

Spartylea Terrace, Spartylea

Andrew Curtis

Old Post Office, Spartylea

There is another photo here NY8448 : Old Post Office, Spartylea The current Post Office is in the building on the right NY8549 : Post Office, Spartylea. There is an old postcard view of the Post Office and Sparty Lea here: Link

Archive Link

Andrew Curtis

Post Office, Spartylea

Andrew Curtis

Old Post Office, Spartylea

Andrew Curtis

Road at Spartylea

The old chapel is on the left NY8548 : Primitive Methodist Chapel, Spartylea with the terrace further along the road NY8548 : Spartylea Terrace, Spartylea.

Andrew Curtis

Site of Allenheads Smelt Mill (Lead), Dirt Pot

On the right side of the photo is the road which leads over the moors to Coalcleugh. The terraced houses known as Slag Hill can be seen in the distance on the right. The remains of Mill Dam, (now filled with reeds) can be seen just left of the existing building (possibly the smeltmill peat store). The other masonry structure is in the centre just below the reservoir. The course of the horizontal flue can be seen extending to the left, directly below the lefthand end of the Mill Dam.

Andrew Curtis

Buildings at site of Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill

"Lead smelting mill built by the Blacketts in the early 18th century. By 1821 it had three ore hearths, one roasting furnace, and one slag hearth in operation. The mill closed in 1870. Surviving remains consist of a 3118m long flue, a row of deserted cottages and an overgrown reservoir. The mill was mainly for smelted ores for Allenheads and Coalcleugh mines, but was kept to working capacity by ores from Weardale mines. The mill closed in 1870. It had horizontal flues 3410 yards (3118m) long for carrying off the fumes." Northumberland HER (7251): Link

Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link

OS 25 inch published 1897: Link

The large stone building (which remains in use) is shown in the same location on the first edition 6" OS and may retain parts of an original building of the smeltmill. The ruined stonework to its south is also on in the location of an older building although this is shown as a sheepwash on the 2nd edition 25" OS (Published: 1897) and in a photo (c.1967) from the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link

Archive Link

The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.

Andrew Curtis