Slate Quarry Moss

Downs, Moorland in Westmorland Eden

England

Slate Quarry Moss

Old milestone A newer photo of the Brough 5 milestone on the B6276 towards Middleton in Teesdale just over the old border between Westmorland and North Yorkshire but now Cumbria and Co. Durham.  The stone is now leaning slightly forwards.   The worn legend reads 5 ML/(BROU)GH.   The abundance of white lichens shows how clear the air is on this hilly road.  The Brough and Middleton turnpike was operative from 1817 to 1873 and this stone will date from that period.
Old milestone Credit: Hilary Jones

Slate Quarry Moss, located in Westmorland, is a fascinating natural site that showcases the unique beauty of the Downs and Moorland regions. Spanning over a vast area, Slate Quarry Moss is primarily known for its abundant moss cover, which creates a vibrant green carpet across the landscape.

The quarry itself was once a bustling hub of slate mining activity during the 19th century. Today, remnants of this industrial past can still be seen, with old quarry buildings and equipment dotted around the area. These remnants serve as a reminder of the rich history and economic significance of the slate industry in the region.

The moss-covered terrain of Slate Quarry Moss provides a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The dense moss acts as a sponge, retaining moisture and creating a unique microclimate that supports the growth of various plant species. Visitors can spot an array of mosses, lichens, and ferns, adding to the visual appeal of the site.

The open expanse of Slate Quarry Moss offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Downs and Moorland regions are known for their rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque valleys. As such, Slate Quarry Moss attracts outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers who come to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, Slate Quarry Moss is a captivating destination that combines history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. Its moss-covered landscape, combined with its industrial heritage, make it a unique and memorable place to visit in Westmorland.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Slate Quarry Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.560014/-2.2435635 or Grid Reference NY8418. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old milestone A newer photo of the Brough 5 milestone on the B6276 towards Middleton in Teesdale just over the old border between Westmorland and North Yorkshire but now Cumbria and Co. Durham.  The stone is now leaning slightly forwards.   The worn legend reads 5 ML/(BROU)GH.   The abundance of white lichens shows how clear the air is on this hilly road.  The Brough and Middleton turnpike was operative from 1817 to 1873 and this stone will date from that period.
Old milestone
A newer photo of the Brough 5 milestone on the B6276 towards Middleton in Teesdale just over the old border between Westmorland and North Yorkshire but now Cumbria and Co. Durham. The stone is now leaning slightly forwards. The worn legend reads 5 ML/(BROU)GH. The abundance of white lichens shows how clear the air is on this hilly road. The Brough and Middleton turnpike was operative from 1817 to 1873 and this stone will date from that period.
Old milestone Travelling along the B6276 towards Middleton in Teesdale, empty moorland.   In the turnpike era no tarmacked surface but the route must have been important enough for trade across the hills.
Old milestone
Travelling along the B6276 towards Middleton in Teesdale, empty moorland. In the turnpike era no tarmacked surface but the route must have been important enough for trade across the hills.
Hart Side Bleak moorland with only the plantation on Seavey Rigg drawing the eye.
Hart Side
Bleak moorland with only the plantation on Seavey Rigg drawing the eye.
West Dow Crag An escarpment with a scattering of gritstone boulders and scree at the eastern edge of Iron Band.
West Dow Crag
An escarpment with a scattering of gritstone boulders and scree at the eastern edge of Iron Band.
The curry stool trig mark on Iron Band We haven't seen one of these type of trig marks before but the OS say it's at 561.746m asl which is not the highest point on the hill (563m a little to the east). To the north west is Ley Seat (where we are heading later), overtopped by Little Fell (left) and Mickle Fell. The white stick is a marker for a grit tray for the grouse (it helps them digest their heather diet).
The curry stool trig mark on Iron Band
We haven't seen one of these type of trig marks before but the OS say it's at 561.746m asl which is not the highest point on the hill (563m a little to the east). To the north west is Ley Seat (where we are heading later), overtopped by Little Fell (left) and Mickle Fell. The white stick is a marker for a grit tray for the grouse (it helps them digest their heather diet).
Heading for Iron Band Fairly easy going over rough moorland grass on this side. In 2008 we abandoned an approach from the east due to deep heather and soft snow <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1312180" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1312180">Link</a>
Heading for Iron Band
Fairly easy going over rough moorland grass on this side. In 2008 we abandoned an approach from the east due to deep heather and soft snow Link
Moorland, Mickle Gill
Moorland, Mickle Gill
Dow Crag A collection of gritstone boulders and outcrops possibly less impressive than its Lakeland namesake? The fence is the county boundary (Durham beyond, Cumbria this side)
Dow Crag
A collection of gritstone boulders and outcrops possibly less impressive than its Lakeland namesake? The fence is the county boundary (Durham beyond, Cumbria this side)
Moorland below Dow Crag Just inside County Durham!
Moorland below Dow Crag
Just inside County Durham!
The Cumbria Durham boundary Along the boundary there are regularly placed stones (this is number 40). We are just within Cumbria here (which has much less heather than County Durham) but will temporarily switch to the Durham side to ascend Ley Seat visible ahead. Above and beyond is Mickle Fell which is nowadays the highest point of County Durham but which used to reign supreme in Yorkshire (pre-1974 boundary changes when this would have been Westmorland and Yorkshire).
The Cumbria Durham boundary
Along the boundary there are regularly placed stones (this is number 40). We are just within Cumbria here (which has much less heather than County Durham) but will temporarily switch to the Durham side to ascend Ley Seat visible ahead. Above and beyond is Mickle Fell which is nowadays the highest point of County Durham but which used to reign supreme in Yorkshire (pre-1974 boundary changes when this would have been Westmorland and Yorkshire).
Boundary Shaft, Peaks Moss Sike There are many lead mine workings in this vicinity, mainly to the east in the headwaters of Lunedale. This is a fairly typical bell pit. I found some traces of galena (lead ore) in the spoil.
Boundary Shaft, Peaks Moss Sike
There are many lead mine workings in this vicinity, mainly to the east in the headwaters of Lunedale. This is a fairly typical bell pit. I found some traces of galena (lead ore) in the spoil.
Curry stool at Iron Band Iron Band is a moorland high point south-east of the B6276; it crosses the Pennine watershed between Brough and Teesdale.
A Curry stool is an OS feature named so after Corporal Curry of the Royal Engineers. The structure is made from concrete and is in the form of three arms meeting at a centre at angles of 120 degrees. Lying as they do at ground level Curry stools tend to become overgrown and concealed, at least in part as is this example - peat and vegetation were scuffed away by boots to reveal the feature as it was meant to be seen! Nine Curry Stools are known in the UK. and three of them are in the North Pennines; the two other Pennine examples are nearby on Herdship Fell and on Bink Moss.
Mickle Fell can be seen distantly to the north.
Curry stool at Iron Band
Iron Band is a moorland high point south-east of the B6276; it crosses the Pennine watershed between Brough and Teesdale. A Curry stool is an OS feature named so after Corporal Curry of the Royal Engineers. The structure is made from concrete and is in the form of three arms meeting at a centre at angles of 120 degrees. Lying as they do at ground level Curry stools tend to become overgrown and concealed, at least in part as is this example - peat and vegetation were scuffed away by boots to reveal the feature as it was meant to be seen! Nine Curry Stools are known in the UK. and three of them are in the North Pennines; the two other Pennine examples are nearby on Herdship Fell and on Bink Moss. Mickle Fell can be seen distantly to the north.
Dow Crag from county boundary The outcropping rocks of Dow Crag are seen from the fence line which marks the Cumbria/County Durham boundary. To the right of the central fence post can be seen a recumbent boundary stone, one of a line of many such stones that marked originally (here at least) the Westmorland/Yorkshire county boundary. The stones were all numbered, the one in view is number 34.
Dow Crag from county boundary
The outcropping rocks of Dow Crag are seen from the fence line which marks the Cumbria/County Durham boundary. To the right of the central fence post can be seen a recumbent boundary stone, one of a line of many such stones that marked originally (here at least) the Westmorland/Yorkshire county boundary. The stones were all numbered, the one in view is number 34.
Boundary stone No. 37 The boundary stone is one of a line of many such stones that marked originally (here at least) the Westmorland/Yorkshire county boundary; it's now the Cumbria/County Durham boundary. The stones are all numbered, the one in view is number 37. The green hill in the middle distance is Ley Seat; behind it is Little Fell and Mickle Fell is distant to the right.
Boundary stone No. 37
The boundary stone is one of a line of many such stones that marked originally (here at least) the Westmorland/Yorkshire county boundary; it's now the Cumbria/County Durham boundary. The stones are all numbered, the one in view is number 37. The green hill in the middle distance is Ley Seat; behind it is Little Fell and Mickle Fell is distant to the right.
Boundary stone No. 42 The boundary stone is one of a line of many such stones that marked originally (here at least) the Westmorland/Yorkshire county boundary; it's now the Cumbria/County Durham boundary. The stones are all numbered, the one in view being number 42. The green hill on the left skyline is Ley Seat; to the right and more distant is Mickle Fell.
Boundary stone No. 42
The boundary stone is one of a line of many such stones that marked originally (here at least) the Westmorland/Yorkshire county boundary; it's now the Cumbria/County Durham boundary. The stones are all numbered, the one in view being number 42. The green hill on the left skyline is Ley Seat; to the right and more distant is Mickle Fell.
Border Crossing Crossing from Cumbria to County Durham.  Warning of sheep on the roads
Border Crossing
Crossing from Cumbria to County Durham. Warning of sheep on the roads
Entering County Durham From Cumbria. The sign says 'Land of the Prince Bishops' despite this being Yorkshire prior to boundary changes.
Entering County Durham
From Cumbria. The sign says 'Land of the Prince Bishops' despite this being Yorkshire prior to boundary changes.
Moorland of Stainmore Common Stainmore Common is an area of moorland north of the A66. The view here is from an estate road which is heading towards a shooting hut. Presently, OS mapping doesn't show the road which follows the route of a bridleway from North Stainmore but by the time this location is reached that route has been left some way to the south.
Moorland of Stainmore Common
Stainmore Common is an area of moorland north of the A66. The view here is from an estate road which is heading towards a shooting hut. Presently, OS mapping doesn't show the road which follows the route of a bridleway from North Stainmore but by the time this location is reached that route has been left some way to the south.
Show me another place!

Slate Quarry Moss is located at Grid Ref: NY8418 (Lat: 54.560014, Lng: -2.2435635)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Eden

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///letter.contents.symphonic. Near Holwick, Co. Durham

Nearby Locations

Slate Quarry Moss Dow Crag

Related Wikis

Foster's Hush

Foster's Hush is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in the Teesdale district of west County Durham, England. It is located in the valley of Lune Head...

Lune Forest

Lune Forest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest covering an extensive area of moorland in the Teesdale district of west Durham, England. In the north...

A66 road

The A66 is a major road in Northern England, which in part follows the course of the Roman road from Scotch Corner to Penrith. It runs from east of Middlesbrough...

Stainmore

Stainmore is a remote geographic area in the Pennines on the border of Cumbria, County Durham and North Yorkshire. The name is used for a civil parish...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.560014,-2.2435635
Slate Quarry Moss
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 54.5604819/-2.2460913
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Slate Quarry Moss?

Leave your review of Slate Quarry Moss below (or comments, questions and feedback).