Blea Moor Moss

Downs, Moorland in Yorkshire Craven

England

Blea Moor Moss

Gate onto Gayle Moor Credit: David Dixon

Blea Moor Moss is a vast expanse of moorland located in the county of Yorkshire, England. Situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it covers an area of approximately 1,400 hectares. The moss is part of the larger area known as the Yorkshire Dales uplands, characterized by its rolling hills, rugged terrain, and stunning natural beauty.

The moorland is predominantly composed of peat, which has formed over thousands of years due to the accumulation of decaying plant material. This unique habitat supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including heather, cotton grass, and various species of mosses. The moss is also home to a number of bird species, such as curlews, lapwings, and red grouse, which thrive in the open moorland environment.

Blea Moor Moss is intersected by the famous Settle-Carlisle railway line, which passes through the area via a tunnel known as Blea Moor Tunnel. This tunnel, built in the late 19th century, is an impressive engineering feat and adds to the charm of the surroundings. The moss offers visitors a chance to experience the unique atmosphere of the moorland, with its wild and untamed landscape.

Visitors to Blea Moor Moss can explore the area on foot, following designated paths and trails that wind through the terrain. The moss provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby peaks of Whernside and Ingleborough. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the moorland environment.

Overall, Blea Moor Moss is a captivating natural landscape that showcases the beauty and diversity of Yorkshire's uplands. Its rich wildlife, distinctive peatland habitat, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Yorkshire Dales.

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Blea Moor Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.234846/-2.3391702 or Grid Reference SD7782. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gate onto Gayle Moor

Gayle Beck

Blea Moor Road

Gayle Moor

Old milestone

The backing stone of the West Riding CC milestone set up in 1893/94 that had its metal protruding attachment stolen in 2006. The metal section was fastened to the backing stone at 4 places so would take some effort to prise off. Hence the damage. The legend on the left face was INGLETON/9¼ MILES/LANCASTER/27 MILES and on the right face HAWES/7 MILES/RICHMOND/31 MILES. On the top section LANCASTER & RICHMOND /ROAD/iNGLETON. The attachments on this route were cast by William Towler/Globe Foundry/Leeds. This stone is on the east side of the B6255 south of the junction for Dentdale on the west side. It is Grade II listed 1132230 so should be repaired sympathetically.

Chris Minto

Little Dale and the aqueduct

Viewed from Smithy Hill. Park Fell beyond.

John Lucas

Old milestone

The 13 mile section of the route from Burton in Lonsdale to the old West Riding/North Riding boundary was, prior to 1974, in the West Riding but is now North Yorkshire. The previous photograph of this stone at the entrance to Far Gearstones Farm SD7880 : Old Milestone by the B6255, Blea Moor Road, Ingleton Parish was actually taken in April 2015 not as stated. It has been painted since then but rust is once again showing through. Grade II listed 1132231.

Hilary Jones

Old milestone

This milestone has been painted since SD7981 : Old Milestone by the B6255 on Gayle Moor was taken but the legends have not been picked out in black. On the bevel can be seen the rectangle with the maker's name, William Towler, Globe Foundry, Leeds. On the 1893 contract the metal castings were to be painted blue with white lettering. It is not known when black letters on white became the norm. When old paint is stripped off prior to repainting patches of blue can sometimes be seen. Grade II listed 1289368.

Hilary Jones

Old milestone

Looking towards Hawes, it can be seen that the backing stone is cracked. But it is securely held by 4 bolts, 2 in the top part and 2 at the base although they are hidden in the soil at this milestone. The backing stones were not painted when they were set up but over the years some have been painted white, some black and some grey. The stones were to be got from a quarry in Kirkstall (Leeds) or be of similar quality.

Hilary Jones

Entrance to Bleamoor Tunnel

Matthew Chadwick

Aqueduct crossing the Settle & Carlisle Railway

David Robinson

Bleamoor tunnel southern portal

David Robinson

Inside Blea Moor Tunnel, heading south

Roger Cornfoot

Gayle Beck Lodge

The ruined remains of Gayle Beck Lodge, a month later the chimney and gable end totally collapsed.

Peter Bainbridge

near Dent Head

Train about to enter Bleamoor Tunnel from the north

Ben Gamble

Shooting box

A6255 with Cam Fell in the background.

SIMON PHILLIPS

The shooting cabin looking SW towards Ingleborough

This is a just at typical type of weather for this part of the country

Nick W

Air shaft above Blea Moor tunnel

This is the southernmost of three remaining air shafts built to ventilate the Settle/Carlisle railway as it passes beneath Blea Moor. The snow-covered mountain in the background is Whernside, the highest of Yorkshire's "Three Peaks"

michael ely

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Blea Moor Moss is located at Grid Ref: SD7782 (Lat: 54.234846, Lng: -2.3391702)

Division: West Riding

Administrative County: North Yorkshire

District: Craven

Police Authority: North Yorkshire