Burnhead Moss

Downs, Moorland in Northumberland

England

Burnhead Moss

Sheep creep near the site of Turret 43b on Hadrian's Wall
Sheep creep near the site of Turret 43b on Hadrian's Wall Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Burnhead Moss is a vast expanse of moorland located in Northumberland, England. Covering an area of approximately 6,000 acres, it is a significant natural landmark in the region. The moss is situated near the small village of Harbottle, offering visitors a glimpse into the enchanting beauty of the Northumberland National Park.

The landscape of Burnhead Moss is characterized by rolling hills, heather-covered moors, and patches of peat bog. The area is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Rare birds like black grouse and merlins can often be spotted, along with various other species of birds of prey.

The moss is also known for its rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. Ancient settlements and burial sites have been discovered in the vicinity, providing insight into the lives of past civilizations. The area was once heavily used for peat cutting, which has left behind distinctive patterns in the landscape.

Visitors to Burnhead Moss can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Several walking trails crisscross the moss, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It is recommended to check weather conditions and wear appropriate clothing, as the moorland can be exposed and subject to changeable weather.

Overall, Burnhead Moss offers a unique and captivating experience for those seeking to explore the untamed beauty of Northumberland's moorland. Its natural diversity and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Burnhead Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.002844/-2.4624991 or Grid Reference NY7067. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sheep creep near the site of Turret 43b on Hadrian's Wall
Sheep creep near the site of Turret 43b on Hadrian's Wall
Farm track to Cockmount Hill
Farm track to Cockmount Hill
Unfenced minor road near Cockmount Hill This lane sits in a dip in the terrain between Hadrian's Wall and the B6318 (Military Road) roughly 2 miles north of Haltwhistle.
Unfenced minor road near Cockmount Hill
This lane sits in a dip in the terrain between Hadrian's Wall and the B6318 (Military Road) roughly 2 miles north of Haltwhistle.
The Pennine Way & Hadrian's Wall Path near Milecastle 44
The Pennine Way & Hadrian's Wall Path near Milecastle 44
The Pennine Way & Hadrian's Wall Path near Turret 43B
The Pennine Way & Hadrian's Wall Path near Turret 43B
The Pennine Way & Hadrian's Wall Path near Turret 43A
The Pennine Way & Hadrian's Wall Path near Turret 43A
Old Roman Milestone on Cockmount Hill, Haltwhistle Parish Carved stone post was on Military Way, in parish of HALTWHISTLE (TYNEDALE District). Found Cockmount Hill Wood, now part of gatepost at West end of wood. Roman milestone erected by the Government in the 3rd century. 

Inscription illegible.

Within Hadrian's Wall Scheduled monument. List Entry Number: 1017535
<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://web.archive.org/web/20210107221507/https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1017535" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210107221507/https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1017535">Archive 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>

Milestone Society National ID: NB_ROM10.
Old Roman Milestone on Cockmount Hill, Haltwhistle Parish
Carved stone post was on Military Way, in parish of HALTWHISTLE (TYNEDALE District). Found Cockmount Hill Wood, now part of gatepost at West end of wood. Roman milestone erected by the Government in the 3rd century. Inscription illegible. Within Hadrian's Wall Scheduled monument. List Entry Number: 1017535 Archive LinkExternal link Milestone Society National ID: NB_ROM10.
Cockmount Hill
Cockmount Hill
Farm at Cockmount Hill
Farm at Cockmount Hill
Hadrian's Wall west of Cockmount Hill "I live on a line
A thin division between now and always.
A boundary, thick with blood.
It is a high line
Drawn with the ink of glory.
A precipice for men to step over,
Punished for going to far.
The wind of years
Batters the line
But it never wavers.
It is all that has happened and all that remains.
I live on a line.
I am careful to toe it."
Line of Hadrian’s Wall by Penny Grennan from Writing on the Wall
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.newwritingonthewall.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.newwritingonthewall.co.uk">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>
Hadrian's Wall west of Cockmount Hill
"I live on a line A thin division between now and always. A boundary, thick with blood. It is a high line Drawn with the ink of glory. A precipice for men to step over, Punished for going to far. The wind of years Batters the line But it never wavers. It is all that has happened and all that remains. I live on a line. I am careful to toe it." Line of Hadrian’s Wall by Penny Grennan from Writing on the Wall LinkExternal link
Alloa Lea Farm The former name appears to have been Allolee.
Alloa Lea Farm
The former name appears to have been Allolee.
Hadrian's Wall Trail north of Allolee
Hadrian's Wall Trail north of Allolee
Path through Cockmounthill Plantation The overgrown remains of Hadrian's Wall are on the left.
Path through Cockmounthill Plantation
The overgrown remains of Hadrian's Wall are on the left.
Eastern side of Milecastle 44, Hadrian's Wall Parallel mounds show where the wall and possibly interior buildings once were. It's not known what the Romans called these structures or if they had individual names or numbers to identify them. Surely, they must have had something (or else how would the troops have been given directions)? The 44 is a much more recent numbering system and means that this is the 44th such structure coming from the eastern end of the Wall. This particular milecastle appears to have had little or no excavation.
Eastern side of Milecastle 44, Hadrian's Wall
Parallel mounds show where the wall and possibly interior buildings once were. It's not known what the Romans called these structures or if they had individual names or numbers to identify them. Surely, they must have had something (or else how would the troops have been given directions)? The 44 is a much more recent numbering system and means that this is the 44th such structure coming from the eastern end of the Wall. This particular milecastle appears to have had little or no excavation.
Hadrian's Wall in its 'untouched' state The Wall here has not been consolidated or conserved by recent work nor that of earlier antiquarians such as the Victorian John Clayton. Only the lower courses survive but they are in their original position as the Romans laid them. The rubble interior is exposed and all the original mortar has weathered away. Compare this with sections of Claytons work from the late 19th Century <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2321951">NY7567 : Henshaw : Hadrian's Wall</a> and that of the late 20th Century <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2765839">NY7166 : Hadrian's Wall west of Thorny Doors</a>
Hadrian's Wall in its 'untouched' state
The Wall here has not been consolidated or conserved by recent work nor that of earlier antiquarians such as the Victorian John Clayton. Only the lower courses survive but they are in their original position as the Romans laid them. The rubble interior is exposed and all the original mortar has weathered away. Compare this with sections of Claytons work from the late 19th Century NY7567 : Henshaw : Hadrian's Wall and that of the late 20th Century NY7166 : Hadrian's Wall west of Thorny Doors
Pastures west of Great Chesters The line of Hadrian's Wall and its north defensive ditch can be seen beyond the second dry stone wall.
Pastures west of Great Chesters
The line of Hadrian's Wall and its north defensive ditch can be seen beyond the second dry stone wall.
Wood west of Cockmount Hill
Wood west of Cockmount Hill
Show me another place!

Burnhead Moss is located at Grid Ref: NY7067 (Lat: 55.002844, Lng: -2.4624991)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria

What 3 Words

///fearfully.mascot.trickster. Near Haltwhistle, Northumberland

Related Wikis

Milecastle 43

Milecastle 43 (Great Chesters) was a milecastle on Hadrian's Wall (grid reference NY70356684). It was obliterated when the fort at Great Chesters (Aesica...

Aesica

Aesica (with the modern name of Great Chesters) was a Roman fort, one and a half miles north of the small town of Haltwhistle in Northumberland, England...

Milecastle 42

Milecastle 42 (Cawfields) is a milecastle on Hadrian's Wall (grid reference NY7157466692). == Description == Milecastle 42 is on a steep south-facing slope...

Milecastle 44

Milecastle 44 (Allolee) was a milecastle on Hadrian's Wall (grid reference NY68886694). == Description == Milecastle 44 is located about 1.5 kilometres...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.002844,-2.4624991
Barrier: cattle_grid
Source: Bing
Lat/Long: 55.001278/-2.4577847
Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 55.0072014/-2.4618138
Burnhead Moss
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 55.002797/-2.4637246
Chesters Pike
Natural: peak
Source: Bing
Lat/Long: 55.0005898/-2.4671442
Barrier: stile
Source: Bing
Lat/Long: 55.0020827/-2.459189
Chesters Plantation
Place: locality
Source: Bing
Lat/Long: 55.0048641/-2.4683682
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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