Westernhope Moor

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

Westernhope Moor

Minor Road at Swinhope Head The road begins a long descent into the Upper Tees Valley from here. — Minor Road at Swinhope Head Credit: Philip Cornwall

Westernhope Moor is a picturesque expanse of moorland located in County Durham, England. Situated near the village of Stanhope, it forms part of the larger North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Covering an area of approximately 3,000 acres, the moorland boasts a diverse and unique landscape that attracts nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The terrain of Westernhope Moor is characterized by rolling hills, heather-covered moors, and expansive open spaces. The area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including heather, bilberry, cotton grass, and a range of bird species such as curlews and lapwings. The moorland is also renowned for its stunning panoramic views, with sweeping vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Visitors to Westernhope Moor can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and photography. There are several well-marked trails that crisscross the moorland, offering opportunities for both leisurely walks and challenging hikes. The area is also a popular destination for nature photographers, who are drawn to the unique beauty and tranquility of the landscape.

In addition to its natural wonders, Westernhope Moor has a rich cultural heritage. The remains of ancient settlements and stone circles can be found scattered across the moorland, providing a fascinating glimpse into the area's past. The moorland also holds historical significance as the site of lead mining activities in the 19th century.

Overall, Westernhope Moor is a hidden gem in the Durham countryside, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and explore the rich history of the region.

Show me another place!

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

Westernhope Moor Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.700862/-2.1423675 or Grid Reference NY9033. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Minor Road at Swinhope Head

The road begins a long descent into the Upper Tees Valley from here.

Philip Cornwall

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

Road summit at Swinhope Head [2]

Quite a contrast to the last time I took a photograph here [22/03/18] as the temperature on that occasion was only a little above freezing, but on this occasion it was 33°C, even at 2000ft. Taken on a day of record breaking temperatures across Britain. Not much point in coming up here to keep cool.

Gordon Hatton

The start of a long descent

The minor road from Newbiggin to Westgate begins a long descent here from the 2000ft contour to below 1000ft in Weardale.

Gordon Hatton

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

Moorland south of Swinhope Head

Looking south west towards Mickle Fell (left) and Meldon Hill (right).

Mike Quinn

Swinhope Moor below Chapelfell Top

Mike Quinn

New House

Mike Quinn

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

Minor road on Newbiggin Common

Just below the summit at Swinhope Head which, at 609 metres above sea level, I believe is the highest public motorable road in England.

Oliver Dixon

Road summit at Swinhope Head

Cattle grid at the summit of the road from Newbiggin (Teesdale) to Westgate (Weardale) at Swinhope Head which, at 609 metres above sea level, I believe is the highest public motorable road in England.

Oliver Dixon

Descent into the valley of the Swinhope Burn

Dramatic descent on the road from Newbiggin (Teesdale) to Westgate (Weardale) from the summit at Swinhope Head which, at 609 metres above sea level, I believe is the highest public motorable road in England. Swinside House NY8935 can be seen on the flank of the valley to the left.

Oliver Dixon

Electric transmission line at Swinhope Head

On the watershed between Teesdale (to the left) and Weardale.

Oliver Dixon

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

Road in Swinhope

Swinhope is a tributary valley of Weardale, feeding it from the south. A minor road passes through the valley crossing to Teesdale by the pass at Swinhope Head virtually at 2000 feet. The road in this image is snowed and on the day this image was recorded, much travelled by members of the Weardale Ski Club which has an installation out of view to the right in the photograph. The scattered trees, many of them Scots pines are in what is known as Swinhope Plantation.

Trevor Littlewood