Haltonlea Fell

Downs, Moorland in Northumberland

England

Haltonlea Fell

Hill road climbing into forestry area The road climbs from the A689 at Halton Lea Gate to Hartleyburn Common through a rectangular area of what OS maps show as a coniferous plantation, although the plantings don&#039;t cover its whole area.
Attitudes to access by the road have changed: the Knarsdale Estate notice in view gives a welcoming message to visitors. They were not always wanted: out of view in the image there&#039;s an old, broken sign discouraging entry. — Hill road climbing into forestry area Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Haltonlea Fell is a rugged and picturesque area located in the county of Northumberland, England. Situated in the northern part of the county, it is part of the wider Northumberland National Park. The fell is characterized by its diverse landscape, consisting of downs and moorland.

The downs of Haltonlea Fell offer vast expanses of rolling hills, covered in lush grasses and wildflowers during the summer months. These downs provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with glimpses of distant mountains and valleys. The area is a haven for walkers and hikers, who can explore the numerous footpaths that crisscross the fell.

In contrast, the moorland of Haltonlea Fell is a more rugged and untamed landscape. It is characterized by its heather-covered hills, scattered with rocky outcrops and peat bogs. The moorland is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey such as the merlin and peregrine falcon, as well as red grouse and curlew. It is also known for its abundance of wild bilberries, which grow in the heather.

Haltonlea Fell offers a peaceful and remote experience for those seeking to escape the bustle of everyday life. The area is relatively untouched by human development, with only a few scattered farms and cottages dotting the landscape. This makes it an ideal location for those who appreciate the beauty and tranquility of nature.

Overall, Haltonlea Fell, Northumberland, with its downs and moorland, offers a stunning and diverse landscape for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

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Haltonlea Fell Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.91146/-2.5571601 or Grid Reference NY6457. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hill road climbing into forestry area

The road climbs from the A689 at Halton Lea Gate to Hartleyburn Common through a rectangular area of what OS maps show as a coniferous plantation, although the plantings don't cover its whole area. Attitudes to access by the road have changed: the Knarsdale Estate notice in view gives a welcoming message to visitors. They were not always wanted: out of view in the image there's an old, broken sign discouraging entry.

Trevor Littlewood

Sheep grazing at Midgeholme

The sheep, possibly Suffolks, are on rough grazing south of the A689.

Trevor Littlewood

Brick building below road to disused quarry

The small building lies below the access road for the disused quarry above the Black Burn near Midgeholme.

Trevor Littlewood

Colliery waste at Midgeholme

Midgeholme is a small settlement along the A689 at the northern edge of the North Pennines. There's been coal mining in the area in the past in the 'Midgeholme Coalfield'. The tip is on the south side of the Black Burn which flows past the near bushes.

Trevor Littlewood

Quarry near to Black Burn

A striking, disused quarry north-west of Byers Pike seen from the west across the valley of the Black Burn. There's little remaining on the site, just the ruins of a concrete building and the access road. Les Hull names the feature as Raven Crag Quarry - Link .

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland with 'pile of stones'

OS mapping names this feature as a 'pile of stones' which surely doesn't do justice to what is a carefully constructed cairn lying north-west of the trig point on Byers Pike.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland with coniferous plantation

The general area of moorland appears to be known as Hartleyburn Common (South Side), with the nearer ground more specifically named Haltonlea Fell. The coniferous plantation is shown on the OS Landranger map as extending further to the north, (left in the image), reaching the A689. The distant moorland is on the eastern side of the valley of the River South Tyne.

Trevor Littlewood

Coniferous plantation on moorland slope

The slope with the trees declines gradually reaching the Glendue Burn in the valley named Glen Due - unusual south of the border! The distant moorland is on the eastern side of the valley of the River South Tyne.

Trevor Littlewood

Fences above Butt of Blackburn

Butt of Blackburn is a location along the course of the Black Burn; it appears to be a name referring to the sharp change of direction of the stream which runs in the obvious cleft at the left side of the image. There's a boundary stone at the fence junction with a letter K cut into the visible face; it possibly refers to the Knarsdale Estate which has land hereabouts.

Trevor Littlewood

Heather on slope of Cold Fell

The heather slopes are descending from Cold Fell towards the valley of the Black Burn. Unlike the ground on the far side of the valley there's been no management for grouse shooting here and heather growth has been vigorous! There are numerous shallow grooves on the slope to enter and climb from, broken only by more significant ones filled with rushes. The traverse of the ground was arduous.

Trevor Littlewood

Birch-lined track between Midgeholm and Halton-Lea-Gate

The track follows the former route of industrial railways later part of the Brampton Branch. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21/22.

James T M Towill