Ealinghamrigg Common

Downs, Moorland in Northumberland

England

Ealinghamrigg Common

Bridge, Bellingham With four segmental arches. Dated 1834, the architect John Green. Grade II listed.
It carries the B6320 over the River North Tyne.
In the foreground is Jubilee Park. — Bridge, Bellingham Credit: Stephen Richards

Ealinghamrigg Common is a vast expanse of natural beauty located in the county of Northumberland, England. Spread across rolling hills, downs, and moorland, this common offers a diverse landscape that attracts visitors from near and far.

Covering an area of approximately 500 hectares, Ealinghamrigg Common is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The common is characterized by its wide open spaces, heather-covered moorland, and panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The undulating hills create a picturesque backdrop, making it a popular spot for photography and picnics.

The common is home to a variety of wildlife, thanks to its diverse habitats. Visitors may encounter species such as red grouse, curlew, lapwing, and skylarks, all of which thrive in this natural environment. The moorland is also known for its vibrant display of wildflowers during the summer months, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Ealinghamrigg Common offers ample opportunities. The meandering footpaths and trails provide a perfect setting for hiking and walking, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. The rugged terrain is also popular among mountain bikers and horse riders, who are drawn to the challenge and scenic views.

Ealinghamrigg Common is a place where tranquility and nature combine, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its unique blend of downs, moorland, and rolling hills make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Northumberland.

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Ealinghamrigg Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.130634/-2.2688125 or Grid Reference NY8281. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridge, Bellingham

With four segmental arches. Dated 1834, the architect John Green. Grade II listed. It carries the B6320 over the River North Tyne. In the foreground is Jubilee Park.

Stephen Richards

View from Dunterley Fell

And across Ealinghamrigg Common to Bellingham.

Stephen Richards

Farmland near Bellingham (2)

A view across apparently improved pasture to the slopes of Dunterley Fell. What looks to me, as an ignorant townie, like a bit of rusting old metal, might well be a crucial bit of farming equipment. In fact, the whole Northumbrian economy, such as it is, might depend on bits of metal like this. Or it might not.

Stephen Richards

Shitlington Crags near Bellingham

Looking from near here NY8180 : Shitlington Common near Bellingham (4) across lush pasture and not-so-lush pasture to the crags (NY8380 : Shitlington Crags), and the television relay station atop Ealingham Rigg (NY8381 : Ealingham Rigg).

Stephen Richards

Country road near Bellingham (5)

Looking towards Bellingham. This section of road is lined with many fine beech trees (possibly planted by the Hesleyside estate as the road is more or less on axis with the house), some of whose trunks have, to varying degrees, lost their characteristic silvery smoothness. A disease, or age, or something else?

Stephen Richards

Fire station, Bellingham

Neat, functional design, probably in the county's house style and dating from the 1960s. The evening sun helps too.

Stephen Richards

Route of dismantled railway

The original fencing can be seen to the right of the route which would have passed under the bridge. This was part of the Borders Counties Railway that opened on 1 February 1861 and closed on 11 November 1963 and ran from Hexham to Redesmouth and Riccarton Junction; the rails were lifted in 1964 between Bellingham (North Tyne) and Redesmouth.

John Baker

Manchester Square, Bellingham

The building at the top of the square with the white van parked in front of it has the wording “Hugh Thompson Quality Butcher” along the white strip above the ground floor. The building can also been seen on the NY8383 : High Street, Bellingham

John Baker

High Street. Bellingham

Looking towards a side wall of the Black Bull Hotel and the Town Hall beyond

John Baker

High Street, Bellingham

The end of the building on the right of the frame has the wording "Hugh Thompson Quality Butcher" along the white strip above the ground floor. The building can also been seen at the top of NY8383 : Manchester Square, Bellingham

John Baker

High Street, Bellingham

The signpost is pointing to West Woodburn and Redesmouth

John Baker

View from the B6320

With Bellingham in the distance

John Baker

Cattle at Dunterley

Oliver Dixon

War Memorial Gates

At the entrance to Bellingham cemetery.

Oliver Dixon

Rose and Crown, Bellingham

Pub bedecked with St George's flags - not certain whether these are to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, or England's rather inglorious exit from the World Cup. In the middle of the square is a drinking fountain which also serves as a Boer war memorial.

Oliver Dixon

The 13.27 from Hexham to Riccarton Junction at Bellingham station

A view of the station in 1962, about a year before the Hexham to Bellingham service was withdrawn, is shown in NY8483 : Bellingham (North Tyne) Station (photographed by Ben Brooksbank).

Mike Quinn