West Common

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

West Common

Old workings at Dubbysike Mine
Old workings at Dubbysike Mine Credit: Mike Quinn

West Common, Durham, also known as Downs or Moorland, is a vast area of open land located in the northeast of England. Situated near the city of Durham, it spans over a large area, covering approximately 700 acres of beautiful natural landscape.

West Common is characterized by its diverse terrain, which includes rolling hills, grassy plains, and heathland. The area is surrounded by picturesque countryside, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and woodlands. This makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists who seek tranquility and a place to connect with nature.

The common is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can expect to encounter a range of wildlife, including rabbits, squirrels, and various bird species. The open landscape also provides an ideal habitat for wildflowers, which bloom in abundance during the spring and summer months, adding to the area's natural beauty.

In addition to its natural attractions, West Common offers several recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The vast expanse of land makes it an ideal location for walking, hiking, and picnicking. Many people also use the common for horse riding and cycling, taking advantage of the numerous trails that crisscross the area.

Overall, West Common, Durham is a stunning natural landscape that provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city life. Whether visitors come to explore the diverse terrain, observe wildlife, or engage in outdoor activities, this expansive common offers a truly immersive experience in nature.

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West Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.692358/-2.3153165 or Grid Reference NY7933. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old workings at Dubbysike Mine
Old workings at Dubbysike Mine
Sledge Sike
Sledge Sike
Former waggonway, Greenhurth Mine
Former waggonway, Greenhurth Mine
Cairn on Herdship Fell Looking south of west towards (left to right) Great Dun Fell, Little Dun Fell and Cross Fell.
Cairn on Herdship Fell
Looking south of west towards (left to right) Great Dun Fell, Little Dun Fell and Cross Fell.
Smithy Sike and rock outcrops at the Holdenhurth Band
Smithy Sike and rock outcrops at the Holdenhurth Band
Greencomb Sike
Greencomb Sike
Slate Sike
Slate Sike
Cow Green Reservoir
Cow Green Reservoir
Viewing hill Great views from Viewing hill
Viewing hill
Great views from Viewing hill
Sheepfold on Pikestone Hurth
Sheepfold on Pikestone Hurth
Disused mine shaft near Petergill Sike
Disused mine shaft near Petergill Sike
The upper valley of Harwood Beck Looking north from Bleak Law past Frog Hall (half right) towards Dale Head.
The upper valley of Harwood Beck
Looking north from Bleak Law past Frog Hall (half right) towards Dale Head.
Sour Mere Looking south east towards Cronkley Scar.
Sour Mere
Looking south east towards Cronkley Scar.
Hill End Hill End would be thought by most to lie in upper Teesdale but it actually lies in the valley of the Harwood Beck. As can be seen, it's unoccupied and is deteriorating.
Hill End
Hill End would be thought by most to lie in upper Teesdale but it actually lies in the valley of the Harwood Beck. As can be seen, it's unoccupied and is deteriorating.
Herdship Herdship is a farm in the valley of Herdship Beck, a tributary of the River Tees which would be thought by many motoring the B6277 to be the continuation of Teesdale.
Herdship
Herdship is a farm in the valley of Herdship Beck, a tributary of the River Tees which would be thought by many motoring the B6277 to be the continuation of Teesdale.
Dale Head The black building is a barn at Dale Head, by appearance it's still in use. To the left of the barn is a pile of rubble - presumably the remains of the farmhouse.
Dale Head
The black building is a barn at Dale Head, by appearance it's still in use. To the left of the barn is a pile of rubble - presumably the remains of the farmhouse.
Herdship Fell Curry Stool Party Rob Woodall completed the set of all 9 Curry Stool trigs, in company of George, Doug, Martin, Rick and Jenny, Sue and Trevor on Herdship Fell. In keeping with the curry theme, at the summit we shared a bottle of Cobra beer, a bag of poppadom crisps and afterwards a nice curry in the Teesdale Hotel, Middleton.  This photo shows Rob, Jenny and Martin standing on one of the three legs of a curry stool.
Herdship Fell Curry Stool Party
Rob Woodall completed the set of all 9 Curry Stool trigs, in company of George, Doug, Martin, Rick and Jenny, Sue and Trevor on Herdship Fell. In keeping with the curry theme, at the summit we shared a bottle of Cobra beer, a bag of poppadom crisps and afterwards a nice curry in the Teesdale Hotel, Middleton. This photo shows Rob, Jenny and Martin standing on one of the three legs of a curry stool.
Herdship Fell Curry Stool A view of the centre of Herdship Fell Curry Stool.  
A curry stool is a type of survey mark used in peaty areas where a pillar would sink and natural rock was not available. The concrete, in the form of three arms meeting at a central point, sits on the peat and it was hoped to be a stable platform. They are named after Corporal Curry of the Royal Engineers.
Herdship Fell Curry Stool
A view of the centre of Herdship Fell Curry Stool. A curry stool is a type of survey mark used in peaty areas where a pillar would sink and natural rock was not available. The concrete, in the form of three arms meeting at a central point, sits on the peat and it was hoped to be a stable platform. They are named after Corporal Curry of the Royal Engineers.
Show me another place!

West Common is located at Grid Ref: NY7933 (Lat: 54.692358, Lng: -2.3153165)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham

What 3 Words

///helped.elevator.everybody. Near Holwick, Co. Durham

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.692358,-2.3153165
Historic: mine_shaft
Mineral: lead
Source: OS 1:25k
Lat/Long: 54.6920646/-2.3103473
West Common
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 54.6921691/-2.3151715
Hunting Stand
Hunting Stand: grouse_butt
Lat/Long: 54.6881436/-2.3149073
Hunting Stand
Hunting Stand: grouse_butt
Lat/Long: 54.6884552/-2.3146445
Hunting Stand
Hunting Stand: grouse_butt
Lat/Long: 54.6893513/-2.3141858
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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