Campmeeting Allotment

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

Campmeeting Allotment

Pine trees in Swin Hope Swin Hope is a tributary valley of the River Wear; it&#039;s seen here looking downhill towards the parent valley. — Pine trees in Swin Hope Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Campmeeting Allotment, located in Durham (Downs, Moorland), is a historic area known for its unique cultural and religious significance. The allotment is situated on a picturesque site surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills.

The origins of Campmeeting Allotment date back to the early 19th century when it was established as a religious gathering place for the Methodist community. It served as a venue for annual camp meetings, where people from far and wide would come together for spiritual revival and fellowship. These camp meetings were characterized by fervent worship, passionate sermons, and communal activities.

Today, Campmeeting Allotment remains a cherished location for both religious and community events. The site features several well-preserved historic buildings, including a chapel that serves as a focal point for religious services and events. The chapel's architecture reflects the traditional Methodist style, with its simple yet elegant design.

The allotment also offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for retreats and nature lovers. Visitors can explore the surrounding countryside, take scenic walks, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Campmeeting Allotment continues to be a place of religious significance, with regular worship services and gatherings for the local Methodist community. It also serves as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Durham, attracting visitors from near and far who are interested in experiencing its unique ambiance and historical value.

Show me another place!

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

Campmeeting Allotment Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.715411/-2.1704213 or Grid Reference NY8935. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pine trees in Swin Hope

Swin Hope is a tributary valley of the River Wear; it's seen here looking downhill towards the parent valley.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland with parked vehicle

The 4x4 vehicle close to the centre of the image had been driven there by the owner of a property lower on the slope who was investigating a problem with his water supply. The valley below is Weardale.

Trevor Littlewood

Rock outcrop on north side of Chapel Fell

The northern side of Chapel Fell is very largely grassy but there are scattered rocks and in places more significant outcrops such as the broken band here. The three, far-distant hills on the horizon, left of centre, are the Dun Fells and Cross Fell. Right of centre, and nearer are High Field and Burnhope Seat.

Trevor Littlewood

Bare ground and peat banks close to summit of Chapel Fell

The summit area of Chapel Fell is an extensive area of peat banks with bare peat exposures and some shattered, scattered rocks. The actual summit location is impossible to judge by observation and various positions have been considered over time. But from 09/02/2021 the authoritative 'Database of British and Irish Hills' has accepted, based on a LIDAR survey, that the best estimate for the summit should be at NY 87577 34605. That position is on a peat bank just out of view in the image, to the right of and slightly behind the camera. In the distance is the moorland hill, Westernhope Moor.

Trevor Littlewood

Wall rising on north side of Chapel Fell

The wall here is at around 570 metres above sea level on the grassy northern side of Chapel Fell; it reaches a corner just out of the image to the left about ten metres higher. Dead Stones is the moorland hill in the distance at the centre of the image. Burnhope Seat, once the highest hill in County Durham, is to the left of it.

Trevor Littlewood

Swinhope Plantation

First edition OS maps of the 1850's show an extensive area of trees around the upper reaches of the Swinhope Burn. This view shows the eastern edge of the wooded area with plenty of Scots pine in evidence. If the old OS map is accurate, then the wooded area is in decline as there are areas now without trees, but the question is, why was this area planted in the first place?

Gordon Hatton

Groove at summit area of Chapel Fell

The groove, (surely one artificially created), is seen looking north passing the currently accepted summit location of the hill; it's on a peat bank a few metres ahead to the right. The 703 m. spot height shown on OS Explorer map OL31, is on the groove's left side and a little further on. (The actual summit location is impossible to judge by observation on the ground and various positions have been considered over time. But from 09/02/2021 the authoritative 'Database of British and Irish Hills' has accepted, based on a LIDAR survey, that the best estimate for the summit should be at NY 87577 34605.)

Trevor Littlewood

Swin Hope below Swinside House

Looking north east from just to the south of NY8935 : Swinside House (photographed by Oliver Dixon) across the valley towards the ruined farmhouse at NY9036 : Far New Close (3).

Mike Quinn

Swinhope Moor below Chapelfell Top

Mike Quinn

New House

Mike Quinn

Ruined building at Swinhopehead mine in 1994

The building is in the valley of the Swinhope Burn below the moorland summits, Chapel Fell and Fendrith Hill. The image was made from the water outflow of the actual mine level. The distant shadowed ridge is Black Fell.

Trevor Littlewood

Bouseteams at Daddryshield Burn

There are extensive surface remains in the valley of the Daddryshield Burn and the adjacent Greenlaws Hush. The collapsing bays seen here on both sides of the stream are bouseteams which were used to store mined ore, every mining partnership having is own bay.

Trevor Littlewood

Ruins of Cockran's Cabin

The tiny, remote building is now a total ruin. It's at an altitude of 620 metres and lies on the eastern side of Chapel Fell overlooking Swindale. The slopes on which it stands descend into Swindale, beyond which is Westernhope Moor.

Trevor Littlewood

Swinhope Plantation

The plantation is in the upper valley of Swin Hope, a tributary to the River Wear. The trees are well scattered and give the impression of an open, mixed woodland. The building with the rusting roof is known as New House.

Trevor Littlewood

Farmhouse at Glenwhelt

Glenwhelt is a farm in Weardale, close to Westgate. The road descends to Westgate having crossed from Teesdale via Swindale; it's also the route of the long distance walk, 'A Pennine Journey'.

Trevor Littlewood

Descent to Swinhope Bridge

On the mountain road between Newbiggin (Teesdale) and Westgate (Weardale). Swinside House NY8935 stands on the hillside beyond.

Oliver Dixon

Shelter belt above Swinhopehead House

On the mountain road between Newbiggin (Teesdale) and Westgate (Weardale). Swinhopehead House lies at the downhill end of this small patch of woodland. Chapelfell Top NY8734 on the skyline.

Oliver Dixon