Baxton Gill Head

Landscape Feature in Westmorland Eden

England

Baxton Gill Head

Footpath in groove en route for Nine Standards Rigg The path, seen looking to the west - downhill - is one of the main routes to the summit of Nine Standards Rigg and is a variant of the &#039;Coast to Coast&#039; long distance path. — Footpath in groove en route for Nine Standards Rigg Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Baxton Gill Head is a prominent landscape feature located in the county of Westmorland, in the northwestern region of England. It is situated near the village of Orton, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

This geographical formation is characterized by a steep-sided, U-shaped valley, carved out by glacial activity during the last Ice Age. Baxton Gill Head is a classic example of a glacial cirque, which is a bowl-shaped hollow at the head of a valley, created by the erosive power of glaciers.

The landscape surrounding Baxton Gill Head is stunningly picturesque, with its rugged slopes and dramatic cliffs. The valley is covered in lush greenery, including a variety of vegetation such as grasses, heather, and shrubs, which provide a rich habitat for diverse flora and fauna.

The area is also known for its striking geological features, with exposed rocks displaying evidence of past glacial movements. The valley is flanked by towering peaks, adding to its grandeur and creating a sense of awe-inspiring beauty.

Baxton Gill Head is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers, who come to admire the breathtaking views and explore the surrounding countryside. The area offers numerous walking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere and experience the untamed beauty of the Westmorland landscape.

Overall, Baxton Gill Head is a remarkable landscape feature that showcases the power and beauty of glacial processes, offering visitors a glimpse into the geological history of the region while providing a captivating natural environment to explore and enjoy.

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Baxton Gill Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.4501/-2.2706852 or Grid Reference NY8206. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footpath in groove en route for Nine Standards Rigg

The path, seen looking to the west - downhill - is one of the main routes to the summit of Nine Standards Rigg and is a variant of the 'Coast to Coast' long distance path.

Trevor Littlewood

Footpath erosion - Nine Standards Rigg

One of the variants of the Coast to Coast path approaches the hill of Nine Standards Rigg by this route. On the steep slope there has presumably been sufficient erosion that wood-retained steps were built and that probably led to some recovery in the grass cover - see to the right of the steps. In time however lack of maintenance has seen the earth eroded from the stepped line which would make climbing and descent awkward; as a consequence, understandably, walkers have walked a line beside the steps causing yet further erosion!

Trevor Littlewood

Peat haggs near Baxton Gill Head

An extensive area of peat haggs and bog lies to the south-west of the summit of Nine Standards Rigg; the trig point of the hill is seen on the skyline to the left of a pair of walkers. Following an extended spell of unusually dry weather the crossing of the ground in view was remarkably easy.

Trevor Littlewood

Ruined building on south-western slope of Nine Standards Rigg

This ruin, close to a junction of bridleways on the slopes of Nine Standards Rigg is not shown on OS maps at either 1:50 000 or 1:25 000 scales; its original purpose is unknown though there is an old quarry to the east and there could be some connection with that. The hill seen at the left side of the image is Tailbridge Hill.

Trevor Littlewood

Backstone Castle

Backstone Castle is a rocky outcrop above Backstone Beck. The elaborate name might lead unwary walkers to believe they are heading for some ancient historical site. In reality it is merely a distraction in a vast and bleak moorland setting.

Colin Gregory

Coldbergh edge.

Lonely moorland.

steven ruffles

Signpost on Rollinson haggs.

steven ruffles

One of the Nine standards.

Along the Coast to Coast path.

steven ruffles

Collapsing wall fragment at old quarry workings on Bastifell

Bastifell is a location to the north of Nine Standards Rigg and the Nine Standards can be seen distantly at the right side of the image. The section of walling is a curiosity seemingly serving no clear purpose other than perhaps as an occasional shelter for those working at the shallow quarry excavations in the vicinity.

Trevor Littlewood

Dry stream bed, Reigill

A continuation of Faraday Gill, looking downstream.

Ian Taylor

Footbridge below Nine Standards Rigg

Another view of NY8106 : Inadequate Footbridge, when in low cloud. This concessionary footpath is part of Wainwright's Coast to Coast route.

Ian Taylor

Cairns on Nine Standards Rigg

The 3 northernmost standards in low cloud.

Ian Taylor

Trig point, Nine Standards Rigg

There is no flush bracket, and no obvious sign of one. Perhaps the pillar has been rebuilt. There is a cut bench mark on the stone in the left foreground.

Ian Taylor

Shake hole, Dukerdale Pots

Ian Taylor

Dry stream bed, Dukerdale Pots

Almost dry - the infant Rigg Beck, looking upstream.

Ian Taylor

Shale slope with boulders

The steep slope of black shale drops into Brownberhead Beck which drains from the eastern side of Nine Standards. The groove in which the boulders lie has been eroded: presumably loose shale has been lost with the larger rocks originally embedded in the shale, remaining.

Trevor Littlewood

Unusual section of walling near Brownberhead Beck

Brownberhead Beck is the foreground stream. Beyond it a walker is sitting on a curious piece of wall - if that's what it is! There are two stretches, both low, set at a right angle. The location is remote and no purpose behind the construction can be imagined. (The pole across the stream of course has a gin trap mounted on top.)

Trevor Littlewood