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Harthope Head

Landscape Feature in Durham

England

Harthope Head

Erosion defences among peat haggs and banks The fence line and peaty groove lie to the north of Fendrith Hill. The purpose of the erosion defences appears to be to restrict the flow of water over the bare peat surfaces in wet weather. There are small rock piles but the main defence and probably the most effective are lengthy rolls of woven tubes filled with what appears to be animal hair. They're put in place and then staked down using wooden pegs and rope. Presumably all materials are biodegradable meaning that once their purpose has been served, they'll decompose. All of the defences are to the west of the fence / watershed and they extend, (probably not continuously), to the north on Chapel Fell. The peat of the groove in front of the fence although at a shallow gradient is surely prone to water erosion, but is doubly at risk as it's a hill walkers' route for folk connecting the two, two-thousand foot hills already mentioned!
Erosion defences among peat haggs and banks Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Harthope Head is a prominent landscape feature located in County Durham, England. It stands at an impressive height of 681 meters (2,234 feet) above sea level and is part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Situated within the Cheviot Hills, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The terrain of Harthope Head is characterized by rolling hills, steep cliffs, and rugged moorland. The area is covered in heather and grasses, creating a colorful and vibrant landscape, especially during the summer months. The hilltop is adorned with a trig point, providing a reference point for surveying and map-making.

The summit of Harthope Head is accessible via various walking routes, ranging in difficulty to cater to different levels of fitness and experience. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the region. On clear days, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and even glimpses of the North Sea in the distance.

Harthope Head is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds of prey, such as kestrels and peregrine falcons, as well as various species of grouse and curlew. The area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its ecological significance.

In summary, Harthope Head in Durham is a magnificent landscape feature, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the North Pennines. With its stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and challenging walking routes, it is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the great outdoors.

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Harthope Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.711458/-2.2150433 or Grid Reference NY8635. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Erosion defences among peat haggs and banks The fence line and peaty groove lie to the north of Fendrith Hill. The purpose of the erosion defences appears to be to restrict the flow of water over the bare peat surfaces in wet weather. There are small rock piles but the main defence and probably the most effective are lengthy rolls of woven tubes filled with what appears to be animal hair. They're put in place and then staked down using wooden pegs and rope. Presumably all materials are biodegradable meaning that once their purpose has been served, they'll decompose. All of the defences are to the west of the fence / watershed and they extend, (probably not continuously), to the north on Chapel Fell. The peat of the groove in front of the fence although at a shallow gradient is surely prone to water erosion, but is doubly at risk as it's a hill walkers' route for folk connecting the two, two-thousand foot hills already mentioned!
Erosion defences among peat haggs and banks
The fence line and peaty groove lie to the north of Fendrith Hill. The purpose of the erosion defences appears to be to restrict the flow of water over the bare peat surfaces in wet weather. There are small rock piles but the main defence and probably the most effective are lengthy rolls of woven tubes filled with what appears to be animal hair. They're put in place and then staked down using wooden pegs and rope. Presumably all materials are biodegradable meaning that once their purpose has been served, they'll decompose. All of the defences are to the west of the fence / watershed and they extend, (probably not continuously), to the north on Chapel Fell. The peat of the groove in front of the fence although at a shallow gradient is surely prone to water erosion, but is doubly at risk as it's a hill walkers' route for folk connecting the two, two-thousand foot hills already mentioned!
Moorland south of summit of Chapel Fell A fence and groove on Chapel Fell heading north towards the summit area. The vegetation and peat here at the edge of Harthope Moss appears to be stable whereas to the south there's a significant problem with erosion. To an extent, it's being addressed - <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6951989" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6951989">Link</a> .
Moorland south of summit of Chapel Fell
A fence and groove on Chapel Fell heading north towards the summit area. The vegetation and peat here at the edge of Harthope Moss appears to be stable whereas to the south there's a significant problem with erosion. To an extent, it's being addressed - Link .
Activity at Harthope Bank Quarry In terms of cutting new rock the quarry has been inactive for many years but at least occasionally some work does go on there. On this visit, crushed rock was being loaded by a digger into a dumper truck. (Can the quarry be described as disused?)
Activity at Harthope Bank Quarry
In terms of cutting new rock the quarry has been inactive for many years but at least occasionally some work does go on there. On this visit, crushed rock was being loaded by a digger into a dumper truck. (Can the quarry be described as disused?)
Rock outcrop on north side of Chapel Fell The northern side of Chapel Fell is very largely grassy but there are scattered rocks and in places more significant outcrops such as the broken band here. The three, far-distant hills on the horizon, left of centre, are the Dun Fells and Cross Fell. Right of centre, and nearer are High Field and Burnhope Seat.
Rock outcrop on north side of Chapel Fell
The northern side of Chapel Fell is very largely grassy but there are scattered rocks and in places more significant outcrops such as the broken band here. The three, far-distant hills on the horizon, left of centre, are the Dun Fells and Cross Fell. Right of centre, and nearer are High Field and Burnhope Seat.
Bare ground and peat banks close to summit of Chapel Fell The summit area of Chapel Fell is an extensive area of peat banks with bare peat exposures and some shattered, scattered rocks. The actual summit location is impossible to judge by observation and various positions have been considered over time. But from 09/02/2021 the authoritative 'Database of British and Irish Hills' has accepted, based on a LIDAR survey, that the best estimate for the summit should be at NY 87577 34605. That position is on a peat bank just out of view in the image, to the right of and slightly behind the camera. In the distance is the moorland hill, Westernhope Moor.
Bare ground and peat banks close to summit of Chapel Fell
The summit area of Chapel Fell is an extensive area of peat banks with bare peat exposures and some shattered, scattered rocks. The actual summit location is impossible to judge by observation and various positions have been considered over time. But from 09/02/2021 the authoritative 'Database of British and Irish Hills' has accepted, based on a LIDAR survey, that the best estimate for the summit should be at NY 87577 34605. That position is on a peat bank just out of view in the image, to the right of and slightly behind the camera. In the distance is the moorland hill, Westernhope Moor.
Coniferous trees below Long Sike Long Sike is a tributary stream to East Grain which together with other tributaries drains the north-western side of Chapel Fell. Weardale is below.
Coniferous trees below Long Sike
Long Sike is a tributary stream to East Grain which together with other tributaries drains the north-western side of Chapel Fell. Weardale is below.
Wall rising on north side of Chapel Fell The wall here is at around 570 metres above sea level on the grassy northern side of Chapel Fell; it reaches a corner just out of the image to the left about ten metres higher. Dead Stones is the moorland hill in the distance at the centre of the image. Burnhope Seat, once the highest hill in County Durham, is to the left of it.
Wall rising on north side of Chapel Fell
The wall here is at around 570 metres above sea level on the grassy northern side of Chapel Fell; it reaches a corner just out of the image to the left about ten metres higher. Dead Stones is the moorland hill in the distance at the centre of the image. Burnhope Seat, once the highest hill in County Durham, is to the left of it.
Former quarry at Harthope Head Large disused quarry by the road over Harthope Head. No details found on line about this quarry and when it was worked, but it doesn't appear on the early 20thC maps. Identifying the rock strata is also tricky. The main face close to the quarry floor appears to be limestone, which would make sense as Weardale has had a cement works, plus a railway to transport limestone to the iron and steel industries of the north east. The middle layer here looks like the carboniferous sandstone of the Stainmore Formation, but is the thin topmost layer sandstone or limestone? This contributor didn't examine closely to find the answer.
Former quarry at Harthope Head
Large disused quarry by the road over Harthope Head. No details found on line about this quarry and when it was worked, but it doesn't appear on the early 20thC maps. Identifying the rock strata is also tricky. The main face close to the quarry floor appears to be limestone, which would make sense as Weardale has had a cement works, plus a railway to transport limestone to the iron and steel industries of the north east. The middle layer here looks like the carboniferous sandstone of the Stainmore Formation, but is the thin topmost layer sandstone or limestone? This contributor didn't examine closely to find the answer.
Groove at summit area of Chapel Fell The groove, (surely one artificially created), is seen looking north passing the currently accepted summit location of the hill; it's on a peat bank a few metres ahead to the right. The 703 m. spot height shown on OS Explorer map OL31, is on the groove's left side and a little further on. (The actual summit location is impossible to judge by observation on the ground and various positions have been considered over time. But from 09/02/2021 the authoritative 'Database of British and Irish Hills' has accepted, based on a LIDAR survey, that the best estimate for the summit should be at NY 87577 34605.)
Groove at summit area of Chapel Fell
The groove, (surely one artificially created), is seen looking north passing the currently accepted summit location of the hill; it's on a peat bank a few metres ahead to the right. The 703 m. spot height shown on OS Explorer map OL31, is on the groove's left side and a little further on. (The actual summit location is impossible to judge by observation on the ground and various positions have been considered over time. But from 09/02/2021 the authoritative 'Database of British and Irish Hills' has accepted, based on a LIDAR survey, that the best estimate for the summit should be at NY 87577 34605.)
Disused quarry near to West Beck There are several quarries on the western side of Chapel Fell, all are disused though the largest does see some occasional, minor activity. The quarry in view is a smaller one; it's on the west side of the road crossing between Langdon Beck and St. John's Chapel. The distant hill is High Field.
Disused quarry near to West Beck
There are several quarries on the western side of Chapel Fell, all are disused though the largest does see some occasional, minor activity. The quarry in view is a smaller one; it's on the west side of the road crossing between Langdon Beck and St. John's Chapel. The distant hill is High Field.
Access road for disused quarry The quarry is at Harthope Bank on the western side of Chapel Fell. There does seem to be some occasional activity on the floor of the quarry, perhaps the salvaging of some already cut rock.
Access road for disused quarry
The quarry is at Harthope Bank on the western side of Chapel Fell. There does seem to be some occasional activity on the floor of the quarry, perhaps the salvaging of some already cut rock.
Fence line on ridge of Noon Hill Noon Hill has no true summit and must have been named because of its appearance from the valley; it is in fact just a ridge of Chapel Fell. Chapel Fell is the cloud-shadowed band on the horizon.
Fence line on ridge of Noon Hill
Noon Hill has no true summit and must have been named because of its appearance from the valley; it is in fact just a ridge of Chapel Fell. Chapel Fell is the cloud-shadowed band on the horizon.
Old railway goods van at lane end The view is from the northern slope of Noon Hill over the valley of Ires Hope, and beyond to the Wear valley. The van is at the end of a walled lane starting at the village, Ireshopeburn and ending at the wall. Railway vans of the type in the image are regularly found in use as small farm stores; many of them are now so old that they're falling apart or have done so already.
Old railway goods van at lane end
The view is from the northern slope of Noon Hill over the valley of Ires Hope, and beyond to the Wear valley. The van is at the end of a walled lane starting at the village, Ireshopeburn and ending at the wall. Railway vans of the type in the image are regularly found in use as small farm stores; many of them are now so old that they're falling apart or have done so already.
Grassy moorland with sheepfold The moorland lies west of the St. John's Chapel to Langdon Beck road from which the image (on the Weardale side) was taken. A tiny stream, Jenny Meggy's Sike occupies the foreground.
Grassy moorland with sheepfold
The moorland lies west of the St. John's Chapel to Langdon Beck road from which the image (on the Weardale side) was taken. A tiny stream, Jenny Meggy's Sike occupies the foreground.
Confluence with West Beck West Beck is a tributary of Langdon Beck; it enters the image from the right where it meets another, lesser, stream. The main valley of Langdon Beck is seen distantly.
Confluence with West Beck
West Beck is a tributary of Langdon Beck; it enters the image from the right where it meets another, lesser, stream. The main valley of Langdon Beck is seen distantly.
West Beck West Beck carries its water to join Langdon Beck which occupies the obvious location ahead in the image. Remains of the old lead mining industry abound here and some are in view including perhaps the grassed rib from which the photograph was taken - possibly spoil from a mine level.
West Beck
West Beck carries its water to join Langdon Beck which occupies the obvious location ahead in the image. Remains of the old lead mining industry abound here and some are in view including perhaps the grassed rib from which the photograph was taken - possibly spoil from a mine level.
Recovering ground following bog burst on Noon Hill A bog burst occurs when water pressure beneath a peat surface causes it to rupture. The photographer first visited this location perhaps 30 years ago when the feature was new, the substrate was exposed and peat blocks littered the slope below. Peat blocks still lie on that slope but the once bare 'earth' has partly revegetated; clearly it's a slow process here at around 2000 feet above sea level. For another north Pennine example of a bog burst see - <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1930935" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1930935">Link</a> For a (very) technical discussion see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/12/21162303/2" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/12/21162303/2">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>
Recovering ground following bog burst on Noon Hill
A bog burst occurs when water pressure beneath a peat surface causes it to rupture. The photographer first visited this location perhaps 30 years ago when the feature was new, the substrate was exposed and peat blocks littered the slope below. Peat blocks still lie on that slope but the once bare 'earth' has partly revegetated; clearly it's a slow process here at around 2000 feet above sea level. For another north Pennine example of a bog burst see - Link For a (very) technical discussion see LinkExternal link
Summit area of Noon Hill Noon Hill is the name applied to the west end of a ridge of high moorland on the south side of Weardale, west of Chapel Fell; it has very little identity as a hill in its own right and is in fact really just the west ridge of Chapel Fell, which forms the distant skyline.
Summit area of Noon Hill
Noon Hill is the name applied to the west end of a ridge of high moorland on the south side of Weardale, west of Chapel Fell; it has very little identity as a hill in its own right and is in fact really just the west ridge of Chapel Fell, which forms the distant skyline.
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Harthope Head is located at Grid Ref: NY8635 (Lat: 54.711458, Lng: -2.2150433)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham

What 3 Words

///devalued.cigar.confetti. Near Newbiggin, Co. Durham

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Harthope Head

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Located within 500m of 54.711458,-2.2150433
Harthope Head
Access: yes
Barrier: cattle_grid
Ele: 626.7
Image: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/727272
Mountain Pass: yes
Natural: saddle
Lat/Long: 54.7100018/-2.2150263
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Hunting Stand
Hunting Stand: grouse_butt
Lat/Long: 54.7081665/-2.2201529
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Stormy Point Cheshire
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