Bales Allotment

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

Bales Allotment

Small covered reservoir above Watson's Bridge On the mountain road between Newbiggin (Teesdale) and Westgate (Weardale). A small wind turbine provides power for control and telemetry. — Small covered reservoir above Watson's Bridge Credit: Oliver Dixon

Bales Allotment, located in Durham, England, is a picturesque and serene piece of land that offers a unique experience to nature enthusiasts. Spanning over an area of downs and moorland, this allotment is a haven for those seeking tranquility, scenic beauty, and a chance to connect with the surrounding environment.

The downs of Bales Allotment are characterized by rolling hills covered in lush green grasses and scattered wildflowers. The undulating landscape provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby moorland. The moorland, on the other hand, offers a stark contrast to the downs with its heather-clad terrain and rocky outcrops. This diverse ecosystem supports an array of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Visitors to Bales Allotment can explore the area through various walking trails that meander through the landscape, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The trails are well-maintained and offer both easy and challenging routes, catering to different levels of fitness and hiking experience.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bales Allotment is also home to a rich historical heritage. The area has several archaeological sites and ancient structures, including burial mounds and stone circles, which provide valuable insights into the region's past.

Overall, Bales Allotment in Durham is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the midst of stunning natural landscapes.

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Bales Allotment Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.669387/-2.1297447 or Grid Reference NY9130. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Small covered reservoir above Watson's Bridge

On the mountain road between Newbiggin (Teesdale) and Westgate (Weardale). A small wind turbine provides power for control and telemetry.

Oliver Dixon

Flushiemere Beck

A remote valley high on the northern flank of Teesdale. The track leads to the ruined Flushiemere House NY9031.

Oliver Dixon

Flushiemere Beck

A remote valley high on the northern flank of Teesdale. The track leads to the ruined Flushiemere House NY9031. Westernhope Moor NY9033 on the skyline.

Oliver Dixon

Tributary valley above Flushiemere Beck

Displaying signs of old mineral workings (probably for lead) which dot this hillside.

Oliver Dixon

Swinhope Lane

On the mountain road between Newbiggin (Teesdale) and Westgate (Weardale). Watson's Bridge NY9030 on Flushiemere Beck at the foot of the hill.

Oliver Dixon

Gate and hillside above Teesdale

Oliver Dixon

Small parking area south of Watson's Bridge

The drive to Broadley's Gate Farm is to the left

peter robinson

Cattle grid in Newbiggin to Westgate road

peter robinson

Minor road to cross Green Fell

peter robinson

Cattle grid on Newbiggin Common

On the minor road downhill from Swinehopehead, to Newbiggin and Teesdale.

Stanley Howe

Covered reservoir by road from Swinhope Head to Newbiggin

With wind turbine close by.

Stanley Howe

Moorland with exposed peat

The moorland lies to the east of an old reservoir north of Coldberry Gutter. There's a little snow on the exposed peat, the first of 'winter' 2021 / 2022. Monk's Moor is the distant moorland hill.

Trevor Littlewood

Unnamed reservoir north of Coldberry Gutter

Coldberry Gutter is a significant feature of the lead mining history of this area of Teesdale, it lies out of view to the left of the reservoir which itself is another of the local mining relics. Distantly, across the water at the centre of the image are three of the highest of the northern Pennine hills including the highest, Cross Fell. The Great and Little Dun Fells are also there.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland with hush

The main groove to the left of the moorland slope is part of Coldberry Gutter which cuts through the south ridge of Westernhope Moor just north of Hardberry Hill. The ground over the whole area has been greatly disturbed by historic lead mining. The workings and remains are even more extensive on the other side of the ridge, behind the camera position and over the hill.

Trevor Littlewood

Coldberry Gutter

Coldberry Gutter is a gash which cuts through the south ridge of Westernhope Moor just north of Hardberry Hill; it's a significant feature and is visible from significant distances. The deepest part of it is just behind the camera position beyond which the slot continues, descending into Hudes Hope. It and the other disturbed-ground features are all the result of historic lead mining activity.

Trevor Littlewood

Red Grooves House

The deteriorating Red Grooves House photographed at 15:45 on a mid-November day, the sun having set as far as the building is concerned, but still illuminating the hill slopes above. The disturbed and grooved ground to the right is the result of extensive mining.

Trevor Littlewood