Askrigg Common

Downs, Moorland in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Askrigg Common

Hill Top There must be a viewpoint in the main dale (Swaledale) below, from where this farmhouse appears to be on top of a hill, but from each of the roads on either side of Oxnop Gill, it seems to be down in the valley and since these are the only ways to get to the farm, the name seems somehow wrong. The tops of the moors, Oxnop Common in the view, and Crackpot Moor behind the photographer, are 150 to 200m higher than Hill Top.
Hill Top Credit: Andy Waddington

Askrigg Common is a picturesque area located in the county of Yorkshire, England. Situated amidst the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, it is known for its stunning landscapes and expansive moorland. With an area spanning approximately 2,000 acres, the common is a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The common is characterized by its rolling hills, heather-clad moors, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can expect to witness a diverse range of flora and fauna as they explore the area. The rich biodiversity includes species such as curlews, lapwings, and grouse, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.

Askrigg Common offers a variety of walking trails, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales up close. The paths wind through heather-covered moors, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The common is also home to ancient stone walls and historic ruins, adding a touch of cultural significance to the area.

In addition to its natural beauty, Askrigg Common boasts a vibrant local community. The nearby village of Askrigg offers a range of amenities, including shops, pubs, and accommodation options for those looking to explore the area further.

Overall, Askrigg Common is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of stunning landscapes, wildlife, and historical charm. Whether you are seeking a peaceful walk or an immersive experience in the heart of nature, this Yorkshire gem has something to offer for everyone.

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Askrigg Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.343957/-2.0984587 or Grid Reference SD9394. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hill Top There must be a viewpoint in the main dale (Swaledale) below, from where this farmhouse appears to be on top of a hill, but from each of the roads on either side of Oxnop Gill, it seems to be down in the valley and since these are the only ways to get to the farm, the name seems somehow wrong. The tops of the moors, Oxnop Common in the view, and Crackpot Moor behind the photographer, are 150 to 200m higher than Hill Top.
Hill Top
There must be a viewpoint in the main dale (Swaledale) below, from where this farmhouse appears to be on top of a hill, but from each of the roads on either side of Oxnop Gill, it seems to be down in the valley and since these are the only ways to get to the farm, the name seems somehow wrong. The tops of the moors, Oxnop Common in the view, and Crackpot Moor behind the photographer, are 150 to 200m higher than Hill Top.
Black Gutter The eroding south bank of Black Gutter readily shows why it is so named as the scree is very dark. It appears to be part of the Main Chert, which interbeds into sandstones and shales, with a small coal seam in places below the Little Limestone, but that doesn't seem to be the outcrop here. Impending loss of visibility and distance from any paths precluded my having time for a closer look. The stream flows east, to be fed by the outlet of Summer Lodge Tarn and becomes Croft Beck, in the interestingly named Bloody Vale.
Black Gutter
The eroding south bank of Black Gutter readily shows why it is so named as the scree is very dark. It appears to be part of the Main Chert, which interbeds into sandstones and shales, with a small coal seam in places below the Little Limestone, but that doesn't seem to be the outcrop here. Impending loss of visibility and distance from any paths precluded my having time for a closer look. The stream flows east, to be fed by the outlet of Summer Lodge Tarn and becomes Croft Beck, in the interestingly named Bloody Vale.
Stotter Gill The number of gates to open and close on the tiny and rather sketchy minor road on the south side of the Oxnop Gill valley, give ample opportunity to be out and taking photos. The view down Stotter Gill was therefore as obvious to me as to the previous contributor <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6629777">SD9395 : Stotter Gill</a>. The farmhouse, less visible in low contrast lighting than in the previous view, is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7066397">SD9396 : Hill Top</a>.
Stotter Gill
The number of gates to open and close on the tiny and rather sketchy minor road on the south side of the Oxnop Gill valley, give ample opportunity to be out and taking photos. The view down Stotter Gill was therefore as obvious to me as to the previous contributor SD9395 : Stotter Gill. The farmhouse, less visible in low contrast lighting than in the previous view, is SD9396 : Hill Top.
Askrigg Common road ascends Oxnop Gill This is one of the two "main" roads, from mid-Swaledale to Askrigg in Wensleydale, and if you think it looks a bit narrow, try the far sketchier tiny road on the north side of Oxnop Gill (above the horizon left in this view). It's clear that it doesn't take a lot of snow to block these roads, and as there are no farms this high, ploughing the road (needed for milk tankers to reach dairy farms) is very low priority. They are steep at both ends near the main valley floors - very hard work on a bike and no safe way to enjoy a speedy descent either !
Askrigg Common road ascends Oxnop Gill
This is one of the two "main" roads, from mid-Swaledale to Askrigg in Wensleydale, and if you think it looks a bit narrow, try the far sketchier tiny road on the north side of Oxnop Gill (above the horizon left in this view). It's clear that it doesn't take a lot of snow to block these roads, and as there are no farms this high, ploughing the road (needed for milk tankers to reach dairy farms) is very low priority. They are steep at both ends near the main valley floors - very hard work on a bike and no safe way to enjoy a speedy descent either !
Tarn Seat Beacon on Tarn Seat with Summer Lodge Tarn beyond.
Tarn Seat
Beacon on Tarn Seat with Summer Lodge Tarn beyond.
Satron Tarn This small tarn lies half a mile west of the much larger Summer Lodge Tarn.
Satron Tarn
This small tarn lies half a mile west of the much larger Summer Lodge Tarn.
Hole Bottom, Oxnop Stone built property nestling in the bottom of Oxnop Gill.
Hole Bottom, Oxnop
Stone built property nestling in the bottom of Oxnop Gill.
Cattle at Oxnop Beef herd at Oxnop. The view is north across Swaledale towards Gunnerside Pasture.
Cattle at Oxnop
Beef herd at Oxnop. The view is north across Swaledale towards Gunnerside Pasture.
Disused shafts, Satron Moor
Disused shafts, Satron Moor
Satron Tarn
Satron Tarn
Summer Lodge Tarn Despite its considerable size, this tarn is well cocealed in a shallow dip in the hill so it only becomes visible when very close.
Frozen today.
Summer Lodge Tarn
Despite its considerable size, this tarn is well cocealed in a shallow dip in the hill so it only becomes visible when very close. Frozen today.
Whity Gill Whity Gill meanders for a mile through rough moorland before entering a small ravine.
Whity Gill
Whity Gill meanders for a mile through rough moorland before entering a small ravine.
Stotter Gill Looking down to a distant house called Hill Top.
Stotter Gill
Looking down to a distant house called Hill Top.
Boundary of open access land, Stotter Gill Miles Pasture, to the left of the wall is open access land. The field to the right is not.
Boundary of open access land, Stotter Gill
Miles Pasture, to the left of the wall is open access land. The field to the right is not.
Fence along the watershed Separating Wensleydale's Askrigg Common from Swaledale's Oxnop Beck Head.
Fence along the watershed
Separating Wensleydale's Askrigg Common from Swaledale's Oxnop Beck Head.
Cattle grid on the watershed between two dales At just under 500 metres above sea level [and 270 metres above Swaledale].
Cattle grid on the watershed between two dales
At just under 500 metres above sea level [and 270 metres above Swaledale].
The road to Wensleydale With snow poles along the left-hand verge.
The road to Wensleydale
With snow poles along the left-hand verge.
Former quarry alongside the road Now used as an informal car park, perhaps even a camping space.
Former quarry alongside the road
Now used as an informal car park, perhaps even a camping space.
Show me another place!

Askrigg Common is located at Grid Ref: SD9394 (Lat: 54.343957, Lng: -2.0984587)

Division: North Riding

Administrative County: North Yorkshire

District: Richmondshire

Police Authority: North Yorkshire

What 3 Words

///decoding.rattler.asked. Near Leyburn, North Yorkshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.343957,-2.0984587
Barrier: cattle_grid
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 54.3427914/-2.0915335
Passing Place
Lat/Long: 54.345931/-2.0967954
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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