Peat Fells

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

Peat Fells

Low water in Burnhope Reservoir The reservoir in upper Weardale during August 2022, following an extended period of low rainfall.
Burnhope Seat is the hill on the horizon, its summit area being cloud-shadowed, left of centre. — Low water in Burnhope Reservoir Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Peat Fells, located in Durham, England, is a picturesque area known for its diverse landscapes, encompassing downs, moorland, and peat bogs. Spanning approximately 500 acres, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The downs of Peat Fells offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. With rolling hills and open grasslands, this area provides ample opportunities for leisurely walks and picnics. The downs are also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, butterflies, and grazing sheep.

As visitors venture further into Peat Fells, they will encounter its vast moorland. This rugged terrain is characterized by extensive areas of heather, interspersed with patches of gorse and bracken. Moorland birds, such as curlews and lapwings, can often be spotted, adding to the area's natural beauty and biodiversity.

One of the defining features of Peat Fells is its peat bogs, which are a vital component of the landscape. These wetlands are formed by the accumulation of partially decayed plant material, creating a unique habitat for specialized species. Peat Fells' peat bogs are home to rare plants like sphagnum moss and cotton grass, as well as a variety of insect species.

Overall, Peat Fells, with its downs, moorland, and peat bogs, offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Durham. The area's diverse landscapes, coupled with its rich biodiversity, make it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection with nature.

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Peat Fells Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.735696/-2.2561874 or Grid Reference NY8337. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Low water in Burnhope Reservoir

The reservoir in upper Weardale during August 2022, following an extended period of low rainfall. Burnhope Seat is the hill on the horizon, its summit area being cloud-shadowed, left of centre.

Trevor Littlewood

Path on north side of Burnhope Reservoir

Maps show that if full the reservoir's water would reach close to the path. That's far from the situation in mid-August 2022 when the water level was well down. It seems that the reservoir is not now used as a direct supply source for homes or industry but to top up when necessary, water flow in the River Wear.

Trevor Littlewood

Sheep on moorland beside Grasshill Causeway

Four animals, (there are four), just south-east of the public road at over 500 m. above sea level. Noon Hill is in the distance beyond the valley of the Ireshope Burn.

Trevor Littlewood

Dam and spillway at Burnhope Reservoir at time of low water

Despite some heavy rain in the first half of September 2022 after an extended dry spell, the water level at the Burnhope Reservoir remains very low. Were the reservoir full, excess water would be dropping over the lip of the spillway and cascading down the steps to run down and join the River Wear in the valley below.

Trevor Littlewood

Burnhope Burn running into Burnhope Reservoir.

The water level in the reservoir is well below capacity following a long dry spell of weather during the summer. Certainly, if it was full, its water would cover the distant vegetated area at the centre of the image.

Trevor Littlewood

Rough Sike

Rough Sike descending towards Burnhope Reservoir which it will reach having merged with the greater stream, Langtae Burn. The reservoir can be seen to be in need of all the water it can get - the level is dramatically low! Note: A sike, according to Oxford Dictionaries, is... "a small stream or rill, typically one that flows through marshy ground and is often dry in summer"; the term is of Scottish and northern English usage.

Trevor Littlewood

Stone-built structure of north side of High Field

Tempting to call this a ruin but perhaps it's not. It's certainly in a rickety state but possibly intact. Its purpose is unknown being too small to be used as a pen for any reasonable number of sheep. Chapel Fell is the distant hill.

Trevor Littlewood

New shooting hut on Ireshope Moor

A shooting hut has stood at the site for many years. The photographer first knew of a building at the location without a door and open for use by local sheep! Some time ago that building was renovated, the hut was secured and in use by the estate for grouse shooting. And then, just over a year ago, a visit found a new hut under construction - Link . The new hut is now complete. Chapel Fell is the distant moorland hill.

Trevor Littlewood

Hill road leaving Grasshill Causeway

The rough road appears to be heading for High House but it doesn't go directly there, instead it veers to the left to reach another building, not in view in the image, Far High House. Neither property is occupied.

Trevor Littlewood

Shooting hut on Ireshope Moor at the end of 1996

A good covering of snow on the moor which is easily accessed via Grasshill Causeway. The building in view has been demolished and a new hut has replaced it - Link . Noon Hill is the large white expanse in the distance. Chapel Fell and Fendrith Hill are further away and largely hidden by cloud.

Trevor Littlewood

Hill walker approaching shooting hut

The hut is on Ireshope Moor at an altitude of 630 metres making 1t one of the highest buildings in England. There's been a building at the location for a long time but this one was newly built in 2021 - Link - replacing the earlier one. Needless to say there's no public access to the hut: it's well secured.

Trevor Littlewood

Peat banks under snow on Ireshope Moor

Ireshope Moor is at the head of the valley of the Ireshope Burn which is plainly seen in the image. Beyond the valley head is the snowed expanse of Noon Hill and more distantly, two hills on the watershed between the Wear and Tees valleys: Chapel Fell and Fendrith Hill. The summit snows of those hills appear to merge with the paleness of the farthest sky.

Trevor Littlewood

Hill road at Peatcleugh Sike

The stream, Peatcleugh Sike is crossed at the road bend. The road is also the route of a bridleway.

Trevor Littlewood

Wall with gate across icy hill road

The rough road, also a bridleway, is above the western side of the valley of Ires Hope. It continues for some distance behind the camera position, deteriorating eventually and ends on open moorland at Wham Pasture. The enclosure beyond the left side wall is in use by Northumbrian Water and has a number of settling ponds marked on OS, 1:25 000 maps. The distant moorland is Black Hill.

Trevor Littlewood

Grasshill Causeway

A very rough road which runs from Grass Hill Farm at the head of Teesdale over to Ireshopeburn in Weardale. At one time, the road served the lead mines in the vicinity. In the middle distance can be seen the roof of the shooting hut which services the grouse butts on Ireshope Moor.

Oliver Dixon

Fence and moorland in upper Weardale

Just off Grasshill Causeway.

Oliver Dixon

Track to High House Farm

Leading off Grasshill Causeway. The plantations surrounding the Burnhope Reservoir NY8438 lie beyond.

Oliver Dixon

Gate at the start of Grasshill Causeway

A very rough road which runs from Ireshopeburn in Weardale over to Grass Hill Farm at the head of Teesdale. At one time, the road served the lead mines in the vicinity and still carries the status of public highway. At this point, the road is rough tarmac, but the tarmac gives out a little over a kilometres further uphill.

Oliver Dixon

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Peat Fells is located at Grid Ref: NY8337 (Lat: 54.735696, Lng: -2.2561874)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham