Pinch Park

Downs, Moorland in Northumberland

England

Pinch Park

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 Credit: Andrew Curtis

Pinch Park is a serene and picturesque natural area located in Northumberland, England. Nestled between the Downs and Moorland regions, it spans over a vast area and offers visitors a diverse range of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.

The park is known for its rolling hills, lush meadows, and ancient woodland, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The Downs section of Pinch Park showcases breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with its undulating hills and scattered stone walls adding to its charm. This area is also home to an array of plant and animal species, including rare orchids and birds of prey.

In contrast, the Moorland section of the park boasts vast open spaces covered in heather and bracken, creating a rugged and windswept atmosphere. Here, visitors can witness the beauty of Northumberland's unique moorland ecosystem, with its rich biodiversity and unique geological features.

Pinch Park offers various recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking and walking trails crisscross the park, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery. Additionally, the park has designated areas for picnicking and camping, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Overall, Pinch Park in Northumberland is a haven of natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to connect with the region's stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history. Whether it be a leisurely walk or an adventurous hike, visitors are sure to find solace and rejuvenation in this idyllic natural retreat.

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Pinch Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.039179/-2.3009183 or Grid Reference NY8071. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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.

King's Crags

Queen's Crags

East Hotbank Farm

The 'Rabbit Stone', Queen's Crag

This enormous boulder of Fell sandstone sits below the main edge of the crag and probably rolled down into its present location from there. It is big enough to host its own rock climbs - white patches are chalk from recent activity. Climbers originally came up with the name due to its resemblance to a gigantic sitting rabbit from some directions. Beyond, is the remote farm of East Hotbank with the southern edge of the vast Wark/Kielder Forest forming the skyline.

Karl and Ali

King's Crags and East Hotbank

The crag is a north-facing edge of large boulders and short outcrops of Fell sandstone. It overlooks the remote farmhouse of East Hotbank.

Karl and Ali

King's Crags

A line of north-facing short outcrops and boulders of Fell sandstone.

Karl and Ali

Prehistoric cairn, King's Crags

Bronze Age burial cairn in remote country between Queen's and King's Crags.

Karl and Ali

Prehistoric cairn, King's Crags

Bronze Age burial cairn in remote country between Queen's and King's Crags. The large slab may once have been the capping stone for a cist or burial chamber.

Karl and Ali

Monolith at Queen's Crags

See description here NY7970 : Monolith at Queen's Crags

Andrew Curtis

Crow Crags panorama from the south

A boundary wall runs across the view crossing the valley of Crook Burn in the centre. Beyond the wall, the moorland of Blue Bog rises to the low ridge of Crow Crags NY7972 : Crow Crags. There is a large sheepfold at its eastern end NY7972 : Sheepfold east of Crow Crags just to the left of the prominent tree on the right which marks another, smaller sheepfold on Harraway Hills NY7972 : Sheepfold north-east of Crow Crags. Beyond Crow Crags (270m) the land rises to 320m at Hawk Side on Haughton Common NY7872 : Hawk Side hiding the extensive forest plantations which now cover the moorland further north. On the south slope of Crow Crags the low stoney banks of a prehistoric field system are quite visible as white lines running across and downslope in the unusually dry grassland. They make up a series of well-defined rectangular fields. There may originally have been as many as six fields, one of which was probably destroyed by the later sheepfold. Link

An area of prehistoric ploughing, known as cord rig, at the south-east end of the field system has been identified on aerial photographs. These also revealed an extensive cairn-field and hollow-way further west. Link

Link

Andrew Curtis

Moorland north of Broomlee Lough

The foreground rocks are at the upper edge of Sewingshields Crags, one of the highest points along the route of Hadrian's Wall. The lake of course is Broomlee Lough.

Trevor Littlewood

Milecastle 35 on Hadrian's Wall at Sewingshields

Hadrian's wall or 'Vallum Aelium' is the remains of a large Roman fortification. The wall extended west from Segedunum at Wallsend on the River Tyne to the shore of the Solway Firth, ending a short but unknown distance west of the village of Bowness-on-Solway. Construction probably started sometime in AD 122 and was largely completed within six years. The remains were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Sandy Gerrard

Turret 35a on Hadrian's Wall at Sewingshields

Sandy Gerrard

Turret 34a at Grindon on Hadrian's Wall

Sandy Gerrard

Turret 33b on Hadrian's Wall

Sandy Gerrard

Excavation of stack stand below Sewingshields Crags

Stack stands are common on these upland pastures and often located on aerial photographs. Although they are not too old (post-Medieval), their agricultural function is often unknown. Here, north of the Sewingshields Crags whin-sill, they were probably created for the stacking of peats left out to dry before removal to nearby farm houses as a fuel. Two nearby stands were excavated in June 2022 and there are another nine nearby.

Andrew Curtis

Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), Sewingshields

A very low-growing plant growing in boggy areas alongside sphagnum and other mosses and bog plants. There are 1 to 5 flowers on a plant each atop their own reddish stem. Flowers have 4 pink petals swept backwards and 8 stamens bundled together around a central style like those of Bittersweet and other Solanum species. The leaves are hard to spot among the surrounding vegetation but are pointed-oval with a noticeable fold down the centre-line. Link

Some of its small red and edible berries are shown here NU0918 : Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), Beanley Moor.

Andrew Curtis

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Pinch Park is located at Grid Ref: NY8071 (Lat: 55.039179, Lng: -2.3009183)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria