Burtree Pastures

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

Burtree Pastures

River Wear near Waterside Farm Credit: Clive Nicholson

Burtree Pastures is a picturesque area located in Durham, England. Situated in the northern part of the county, it encompasses a diverse landscape of downs and moorland. The area is known for its natural beauty and offers visitors a tranquil and serene environment.

The downs of Burtree Pastures are characterized by their rolling hills and expansive grasslands. These open spaces provide habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Walking trails and footpaths crisscross the downs, allowing visitors to explore the area and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The moorland in Burtree Pastures adds to the charm of the area with its rugged terrain and heather-covered hills. This unique landscape is home to several species of birds, including grouse and curlews, as well as small mammals like stoats and weasels. The moorland also supports a rich diversity of plant life, with patches of bilberry and cotton grass dotting the landscape.

Burtree Pastures is not only a haven for nature lovers but also offers opportunities for recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. The area is easily accessible, with well-maintained roads leading to its entrance. Facilities such as parking and visitor information centers are available for the convenience of visitors.

With its stunning downs, rugged moorland, and abundant wildlife, Burtree Pastures is a must-visit destination for those seeking a serene and natural escape in the heart of Durham.

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Burtree Pastures Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.764822/-2.2193517 or Grid Reference NY8541. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

River Wear near Waterside Farm

Clive Nicholson

Newfield

The property at Newfield seen along its access road high on the northern side of Weardale.

Trevor Littlewood

Trees in valley of Elmford Cleugh

Elmford Cleugh is a tributary of the River Wear descending on the north side of the valley.

Trevor Littlewood

Head of the River Wear

The point where Killhope Burn and Burnhope Burn meet to become the River Wear - at the aptly named village of Wearhead.

Chris Heaton

Wearhead

The A689 running through the small village of Wearhead

Chris Heaton

Weardale Way between Wearhead and West Blackdene

Riverside path in pastures beside the Wear

Chris Heaton

River level monitoring station on the Killhope Burn, Wearhead

For information on water levels: Link

Tim Heaton

The head of the Wear at Wearhead

The River Wear starts here, below the junction of the Burnhope Burn and the Killhope Burn. Weardale, and the Weardale Way start 4½ miles upstream at the head of the Killhope Burn

Tim Heaton

Public convenience, Wearhead

The villages of Weardale are well supplied with free toilets.

Tim Heaton

The River Wear at West Blackdene

Photo taken looking upstream from the NY8639 : Bridge over the River Wear at West Blackdene.

Mike Quinn

The track bed of the former Weardale Railway west of West Blackdene

Photo taken from the NY8639 : Bridge over the former Weardale Railway at West Blackdene.

Mike Quinn

Old bridge marker, Wearhead

The Durham Historic Environment Record (HER) Link

says that this is "a stone milestone or property marker". But a longstanding local resident told me that the "C", which is the Latin letter for 100, indicated that the river (Wear) was 100 yards (presumably Roman yards) away. The location of this stone is shown in NY8539 : Front Street, Wearhead and NY8539 : Front Street, Wearhead (2).

Mike Quinn

Front Street, Wearhead

Shows the location of the NY8539 : Old bridge marker, Wearhead.

Mike Quinn

Front Street, Wearhead (2)

Shows the location of the NY8539 : Old bridge marker, Wearhead.

Mike Quinn

Pipeline crossing valley of Black Cleugh

Being so close to Burnhope Reservoir it's assumed that the pipe carries water either to or from there. Both the pipe and the reservoir surface are close to the 400 m. contour so it's unclear in which direction, (if under gravity), water would flow.

Trevor Littlewood

Access road and bridleway heading north from Wearhead

The rising road gives access to a number of houses. It's also the route of a bridleway which can be followed easily on foot as far as the distant, parked vehicle and even beyond it, but fairly soon after that it becomes a struggle and to get a horse through the overgrown route with some fallen trees would take a prodigious effort!

Trevor Littlewood

River Wear at Wearhead

The River Wear just east of the village of Wearhead looking upstream from the river bank close to the line of the Weardale Way.

Trevor Littlewood

Last Train waiting to leave Wearhead for Bishop Auckland

View NW, towards buffer-stops; ex-NE terminus of line from Bishop Auckland, 27/6/53: the locomotive is ex-NE J21 No. 65078. Goods traffic continued up the valley as far as St John's Chapel until 2/1/61; a passenger service, Bishop Auckland - Stanhope was restored by the Weardale Railway from 23/5/10. See also NY8539 : Wearhead Station and engine shed and NZ2029 : The Last Train to Wearhead waits to leave Bishop Auckland Station.

Ben Brooksbank

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Burtree Pastures is located at Grid Ref: NY8541 (Lat: 54.764822, Lng: -2.2193517)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham