Ballsgate Common

Downs, Moorland in Herefordshire

England

Ballsgate Common

Smokey Quarry Roadside quarry, like many in this area. The Silurian limestones were quarried for lime and building material, although many of the limestones here are soft, almost chalk like, leading to downland like scenery. The quarry is actually inhabited, and we were briefly taken for "Officials".
Smokey Quarry Credit: Richard Webb

Ballsgate Common is a picturesque and expansive area located in Herefordshire, England. Covering a vast expanse of downs and moorland, this stunning landscape offers visitors a unique and diverse experience.

The common is characterized by its rolling hills and wide open spaces, making it a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature. The downs provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with undulating hills stretching as far as the eye can see. The moorland, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and wild atmosphere, with scattered heather and bracken creating a rich tapestry of colors.

The common is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can expect to encounter a range of bird species, including buzzards, kestrels, and skylarks, as well as small mammals such as rabbits and foxes. The diverse plant life includes heather, gorse, and various grasses, providing a habitat for numerous insects and butterflies.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Ballsgate Common offers a network of walking trails and paths, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, there are options available for all levels of fitness and ability. Additionally, the common is a popular spot for picnics and nature photography, providing ample opportunities to relax and capture the stunning scenery.

Overall, Ballsgate Common in Herefordshire is a true gem, offering a breathtaking blend of downs and moorland, teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. Whether you are an avid nature lover or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this common is well worth a visit.

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Ballsgate Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.293422/-2.8575674 or Grid Reference SO4166. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Smokey Quarry Roadside quarry, like many in this area. The Silurian limestones were quarried for lime and building material, although many of the limestones here are soft, almost chalk like, leading to downland like scenery. The quarry is actually inhabited, and we were briefly taken for "Officials".
Smokey Quarry
Roadside quarry, like many in this area. The Silurian limestones were quarried for lime and building material, although many of the limestones here are soft, almost chalk like, leading to downland like scenery. The quarry is actually inhabited, and we were briefly taken for "Officials".
Brook near Lower Lye. Farm bridge linking fields. The area is a mix of woods and grassland on limestone hills.
Brook near Lower Lye.
Farm bridge linking fields. The area is a mix of woods and grassland on limestone hills.
River Lugg near Upper Lye just a few yards down from the holiday cottage...
River Lugg near Upper Lye
just a few yards down from the holiday cottage...
Little wagon caravan at Aymestrey This little horse drawn caravan is parked up behind an old orchard. I wonder if it gets out.
Little wagon caravan at Aymestrey
This little horse drawn caravan is parked up behind an old orchard. I wonder if it gets out.
Part of Yatton Court This wonderful looking house is usually well screened by trees but you get a glimpse in early Spring.
Part of Yatton Court
This wonderful looking house is usually well screened by trees but you get a glimpse in early Spring.
Pokeshouse Wood NT woodland The National Trust have felled an old pine plantation and replaced it with native broad leaved woodland here recently. When I last walked here in late '07 the plantation was mature but gloomy and dark. This lone fir tree has seen it all happen.
Pokeshouse Wood NT woodland
The National Trust have felled an old pine plantation and replaced it with native broad leaved woodland here recently. When I last walked here in late '07 the plantation was mature but gloomy and dark. This lone fir tree has seen it all happen.
Little islet in the River Lugg The river forks here around a little islet of a gravel bank held together with tree roots.
Little islet in the River Lugg
The river forks here around a little islet of a gravel bank held together with tree roots.
A herd of Deer below Croft Ambrey A fairly common sight in the woodlands around this area, but rarely stationary out in the open fields. This herd comprising some 30 individuals grazed for ten minutes and moved slowly into shade. Later a Land Rover Discovery passed on a track and disturbed them and they vanished without trace.
A herd of Deer below Croft Ambrey
A fairly common sight in the woodlands around this area, but rarely stationary out in the open fields. This herd comprising some 30 individuals grazed for ten minutes and moved slowly into shade. Later a Land Rover Discovery passed on a track and disturbed them and they vanished without trace.
Sunken path to Yatton Often used by walkers and horse riders it seems these days.
Sunken path to Yatton
Often used by walkers and horse riders it seems these days.
Long horned cattle near Yatton At first I thought these two were Highland but they seem too red in colour, so possibly are some other rare breed.
Long horned cattle near Yatton
At first I thought these two were Highland but they seem too red in colour, so possibly are some other rare breed.
Long horned cattle near Yatton Happily grazing this steep pasture above Yatton.
Long horned cattle near Yatton
Happily grazing this steep pasture above Yatton.
Old tractors in the field near Yatton An old Case International 585 - 1980's vintage and still going strong by the looks of it.
Old tractors in the field near Yatton
An old Case International 585 - 1980's vintage and still going strong by the looks of it.
A4110 north of Mortimer's Cross The Roman heritage of the route is apparent. Aymestrey church appears in the distance.
A4110 north of Mortimer's Cross
The Roman heritage of the route is apparent. Aymestrey church appears in the distance.
A4110 approaching Aymestrey
A4110 approaching Aymestrey
A4110 in Aymestrey
A4110 in Aymestrey
Aymestrey bridge
Aymestrey bridge
A4110 at the turning for Yatton The main road curves left leaving the course of a Roman road which, unsurprisingly, continues straight on.
A4110 at the turning for Yatton
The main road curves left leaving the course of a Roman road which, unsurprisingly, continues straight on.
Curving along the A4110
Curving along the A4110
Show me another place!

Ballsgate Common is located at Grid Ref: SO4166 (Lat: 52.293422, Lng: -2.8575674)

Unitary Authority: County of Herefordshire

Police Authority: West Mercia

What 3 Words

///irritated.lookout.winner. Near Wigmore, Herefordshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.293422,-2.8575674
Barrier: stile
Material: wood
Source: survey;gps
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 52.292636/-2.8614263
Barrier: stile
Material: wood
Source: survey;gps
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 52.293001/-2.8601455
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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