Ridley Common

Downs, Moorland in Northumberland

England

Ridley Common

Sheepfold near East Stonefolds
Sheepfold near East Stonefolds Credit: Andrew Curtis

Ridley Common, located in the county of Northumberland, is a picturesque expanse of natural beauty known for its downs and moorland. Spanning over a considerable area, it offers visitors a diverse range of landscapes and habitats to explore.

The downs of Ridley Common are characterized by gently rolling hills covered in lush green grass, dotted with wildflowers during the warmer months. These open spaces provide ample opportunities for recreational activities such as walking, picnicking, and kite flying. The downs offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, allowing visitors to appreciate the vastness and tranquility of the area.

Adjacent to the downs, Ridley Common also boasts extensive moorland, characterized by heather-covered hills and peat bogs. This unique ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife and plants, including rare species such as curlews, lapwings, and adders. The moorland is a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, who can explore the area on designated walking trails and observe the diverse array of flora and fauna.

Ridley Common is also of historical significance, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. Ancient burial mounds and stone circles can be found scattered across the landscape, providing a glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage.

Overall, Ridley Common in Northumberland offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of downs and moorland, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it's enjoying the views, discovering wildlife, or exploring the area's history, there is something for everyone to appreciate in this stunning location.

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Ridley Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.021508/-2.3334591 or Grid Reference NY7869. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sheepfold near East Stonefolds
Sheepfold near East Stonefolds
Boulder north of Sewingshields Crags The boulder located next to the earthwork remains of an Iron Age enclosed settlement has several possible prehistoric cup-marks and quarry wedges cut in a failed attempt (possibly as early as Roman times) to break it up.
Boulder north of Sewingshields Crags
The boulder located next to the earthwork remains of an Iron Age enclosed settlement has several possible prehistoric cup-marks and quarry wedges cut in a failed attempt (possibly as early as Roman times) to break it up.
The Pennine Way near Cragend
The Pennine Way near Cragend
The Pennine Way near East Stonefolds
The Pennine Way near East Stonefolds
Maintenance Work at Haughtongreen Haughtongreen is a basic shelter cared for by volunteers of the Mountain Bothies Association with permission of the landowner. On the weekend this photo was taken maintenance work was underway, with several MBA volunteers working on the interior and exterior.
Maintenance Work at Haughtongreen
Haughtongreen is a basic shelter cared for by volunteers of the Mountain Bothies Association with permission of the landowner. On the weekend this photo was taken maintenance work was underway, with several MBA volunteers working on the interior and exterior.
Track on the moor Quad bike track and carrying a path.
Track on the moor
Quad bike track and carrying a path.
Path across moorland We have this path all to ourselves.
Path across moorland
We have this path all to ourselves.
National Trail waymarker acorn on the Pennine Way near East Stonefolds farm The patina of weathering caught my eye.
National Trail waymarker acorn on the Pennine Way near East Stonefolds farm
The patina of weathering caught my eye.
Walking near East Stonefolds A farmyard has to be traversed. No problem as it turned out. My ninja lead scout assesses the lie of the land, the likely presence of a one-eyed farm dog, the restlessness of the native population and the nearest exit points as we approach. I relax in the resulting cocoon of ever vigilant protectiveness and follow along safe in the knowledge that the best nose in the business is constantly whiffling the wind in front of me, a pair of never-resting beady peepers are scanning windows, doors, gateways and cracks in fences for any attempt to repel boarders and we pass through like two shadows with barely a creak of boot leather, a scent of sweaty oxter and are soon through and approaching a second farmstead.
Walking near East Stonefolds
A farmyard has to be traversed. No problem as it turned out. My ninja lead scout assesses the lie of the land, the likely presence of a one-eyed farm dog, the restlessness of the native population and the nearest exit points as we approach. I relax in the resulting cocoon of ever vigilant protectiveness and follow along safe in the knowledge that the best nose in the business is constantly whiffling the wind in front of me, a pair of never-resting beady peepers are scanning windows, doors, gateways and cracks in fences for any attempt to repel boarders and we pass through like two shadows with barely a creak of boot leather, a scent of sweaty oxter and are soon through and approaching a second farmstead.
Barns at East Stonefold Nice old barns.
Barns at East Stonefold
Nice old barns.
Path detouring around West Stonefold farm This farm is boxed around by the path now.
Path detouring around West Stonefold farm
This farm is boxed around by the path now.
Haughtongreen bothy Haughtongreen bothy in Wark Forest.
Haughtongreen bothy
Haughtongreen bothy in Wark Forest.
Haughtongreen bothy Haughtongreen bothy, Wark Forest; lovely little place to stay.
Haughtongreen bothy
Haughtongreen bothy, Wark Forest; lovely little place to stay.
King's Crags
King's Crags
Queen's Crags
Queen's Crags
East Hotbank Farm
East Hotbank Farm
Haughtongreen Mountain Bothy
Haughtongreen Mountain Bothy
By-way. Nanny's Hill
By-way. Nanny's Hill
Show me another place!

Ridley Common is located at Grid Ref: NY7869 (Lat: 55.021508, Lng: -2.3334591)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria

What 3 Words

///smudges.stems.decompose. Near Bardon Mill, Northumberland

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.021508,-2.3334591
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