Westernhope Allotment

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

Westernhope Allotment

Quarry of 'Weardale Works' Weardale has seen massive amounts of rock quarried from its sides and no larger working exists in the valley than the old Blue Circle, later Lafarge operation on the south side which supplied limestone by conveyor to the cement works at Eastgate; OS mapping names the area as &#039;Weardale Works&#039;.
Soon after the Lafarge purchase quarrying and cement manufacture ceased and the cement works at Eastgate was erased. Similarly the quarrying operation ended and the quarry area has been landscaped.
Once a public footpath cut across the north end of the quarry site; it was closed during the period of extraction but it seems that it might be reopened in the future; the image here was taken from the probable line of the path and shows distantly part of the quarry face beyond nearer workings. — Quarry of 'Weardale Works' Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Located in Durham, Westernhope Allotment is a picturesque and well-maintained allotment site encompassing an area of downs and moorland. Spread across a vast expanse of land, the allotment offers a serene and peaceful environment for individuals who are passionate about gardening and cultivating their own produce.

The site is divided into numerous plots, each with its own unique character and charm. With a combination of downs and moorland, the landscape provides a diverse range of growing conditions, allowing for a variety of crops to be cultivated. The downs area consists of gently rolling hills, while the moorland offers a more rugged and wild terrain.

Westernhope Allotment is known for its community spirit and camaraderie among plot holders. Gardeners often come together to share knowledge, tips, and advice, fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Regular events and workshops are organized, providing opportunities for learning and socializing.

The allotment is well-equipped with basic amenities such as water taps and storage sheds, ensuring that gardeners have the necessary resources to tend to their plots. Additionally, there are communal spaces such as seating areas and gathering spots, allowing individuals to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

Visitors to Westernhope Allotment are greeted with a vibrant display of colorful flowers, neatly arranged vegetable patches, and well-tended fruit trees. The dedication and passion of the gardeners are evident in the meticulous care given to their plots.

Overall, Westernhope Allotment is a haven for nature enthusiasts and gardening enthusiasts alike. Its stunning downs and moorland setting, strong sense of community, and commitment to sustainable gardening practices make it a truly special place for all.

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Westernhope Allotment Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.716757/-2.1003402 or Grid Reference NY9335. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Quarry of 'Weardale Works'

Weardale has seen massive amounts of rock quarried from its sides and no larger working exists in the valley than the old Blue Circle, later Lafarge operation on the south side which supplied limestone by conveyor to the cement works at Eastgate; OS mapping names the area as 'Weardale Works'. Soon after the Lafarge purchase quarrying and cement manufacture ceased and the cement works at Eastgate was erased. Similarly the quarrying operation ended and the quarry area has been landscaped. Once a public footpath cut across the north end of the quarry site; it was closed during the period of extraction but it seems that it might be reopened in the future; the image here was taken from the probable line of the path and shows distantly part of the quarry face beyond nearer workings.

Trevor Littlewood

Estate road crossing Yew Cleugh

An estate/farm road enters the Weardale side valley of Western Hope keeping above the east side of the Westernhope Burn. That road is seen here descending to cross the minor stream of Yew Cleugh; the view is northwards.

Trevor Littlewood

South-west corner of Ludwell Wood

Ludwell Wood lies to the east of the valley of Western Hope; it's seen in this image from an estate road to the south on the same side of Western Hope.

Trevor Littlewood

Curved walls on west side of Westernhope Burn

There are two wall sections across the stream, one completely ruinous. OS mapping at 1:25 000 names these curved walls as sheepfolds but surely they're not; a sheepfold would have a means of sealing an entrance so as to confine animals when required; that would be impossible here. A more likely explanation is that the features are/were sheep shelters so that beasts could keep out of the worst of poor weather.

Trevor Littlewood

Mine site beside Ash Cleugh

Ash Cleugh is a side valley of Western Hope and continues beyond the mine remains with Blaeberry Cleugh joining from the right just below the spoil heap; the mine site is one of many within the Western Hope catchment.

Trevor Littlewood

Slopes rising to Snowhope Hill

Mainly grassy slopes rise to Snowhope Hill, the name given to the crest of the ground above. The foreground is occupied by mosses at the side of a minor stream draining to Western Hope but unmarked on OS maps even at the 1:25 000 scale.

Trevor Littlewood

Estate road in Western Hope

An estate road enters Western Hope on its eastern side where for some distance it runs at the lower edge of the 'Weardale Works', now disused. The 'Works' was a limestone quarrying operation which cut and crushed the rock then transported it by conveyor down to the floor of the Wear Valley at Eastgate for the manufacture of cement at the Blue Circle plant there. The mounds in the distance are landscaped spoil heaps of the quarry; the road runs below there too.

Trevor Littlewood

Slope rising to Blackhill End

This is the western side of Western Hope, a tributary valley of the River Wear. There appears to be some sort of experimental work going on here; the fence in the image has clearly been installed recently and demarcates vegetation cover. Outside the enclosed area the dead grass strands of the previous year's growth remain but inside they're missing - obviously removed by some means. There are areas of the unkempt vegetation within the fenced area as well and a pattern exists with the two types of vegetation cover alternating.

Trevor Littlewood

Between Bollihope Carrs and Snowhope Carrs

I wonder what sort of experimentation. This is beside Ewestone Currick, an untidy cairn/shelter in a stony patch on an otherwise grassy stretch of moor. Snowhope Carrs are in the background. In mid distance is the wall corner near Snowhope Burn.

Andrew Smith