Ford Common

Downs, Moorland in Northumberland

England

Ford Common

Pond and crag, Etal Moor Fell sandstone outcrops.
Pond and crag, Etal Moor Credit: Richard Webb

Ford Common is a scenic area located in the county of Northumberland, England. It encompasses downs and moorland landscapes, offering visitors a diverse and striking natural environment. The common is situated near the village of Ford, which lies approximately 15 miles northwest of the market town of Alnwick.

The downs of Ford Common are characterized by gently rolling hills and grassy slopes, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These open spaces are ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, and enjoying the tranquillity of the rural setting. Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife, including rabbits, hares, and various bird species.

The moorland section of Ford Common offers a different landscape with its rugged and wild terrain. Visitors can explore this area by following a network of footpaths that wind through heather-covered hills and valleys. The moorland is dotted with streams and small pools, adding to the beauty and charm of the area.

Ford Common is also known for its historical significance. The remains of prehistoric settlements, including stone circles and burial mounds, can be found scattered across the common. These archaeological sites provide a glimpse into the rich history of the region and offer an opportunity for exploration and discovery.

Overall, Ford Common in Northumberland is a remarkable natural area that combines downs and moorland landscapes. Its picturesque vistas, diverse wildlife, and historical sites make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the English countryside.

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Ford Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.641195/-2.0663317 or Grid Reference NT9538. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pond and crag, Etal Moor Fell sandstone outcrops.
Pond and crag, Etal Moor
Fell sandstone outcrops.
Fenced off path, Hazely Hill Fenced off area around a field, probably to enable cattle to be moved through a field without mixing. The field with the trough had cows and calves in it, and the background field contained approx. year old cattle.
Fenced off path, Hazely Hill
Fenced off area around a field, probably to enable cattle to be moved through a field without mixing. The field with the trough had cows and calves in it, and the background field contained approx. year old cattle.
Woodside Moor A mix of woodland and good grazing for cattle, not rough grazing as shown on the map.
Woodside Moor
A mix of woodland and good grazing for cattle, not rough grazing as shown on the map.
Cattle, Watchlaw Field between plantations. The cattle were very much on the nervous side of curiosity, and only when it was obvious that I was leaving along the bridleway did they do their usual cautious advancing trick that some folk find unnerving.
Cattle, Watchlaw
Field between plantations. The cattle were very much on the nervous side of curiosity, and only when it was obvious that I was leaving along the bridleway did they do their usual cautious advancing trick that some folk find unnerving.
For the intrepid visitor End station of a zip wire over the deep gorge of Grove Dene on the Ford and Etal estate.
For the intrepid visitor
End station of a zip wire over the deep gorge of Grove Dene on the Ford and Etal estate.
Ford Castle Although a castle has existed on this site since the 13th century, what is seen here almost all dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. Grade I listed.
Ford Castle
Although a castle has existed on this site since the 13th century, what is seen here almost all dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. Grade I listed.
Parson's Tower, Ford A medieval pele tower on the Ford and Etal estate that once housed the local clergyman.
Parson's Tower, Ford
A medieval pele tower on the Ford and Etal estate that once housed the local clergyman.
Ford Castle Although a castle has existed on this site since the 13th century, what is seen here almost all dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. Grade I listed.
Ford Castle
Although a castle has existed on this site since the 13th century, what is seen here almost all dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. Grade I listed.
Gatehouse and courtyard, Ford Castle Although a castle has existed on this site since the 13th century, what is seen here almost all dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. The portcullis looks less than authentic. Grade I listed.
Gatehouse and courtyard, Ford Castle
Although a castle has existed on this site since the 13th century, what is seen here almost all dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. The portcullis looks less than authentic. Grade I listed.
Footpath in Castle Dene On the Ford Village and Castle Dene signed walk.
Footpath in Castle Dene
On the Ford Village and Castle Dene signed walk.
Gatehouse, Ford Castle Although a castle has existed on this site since the 13th century, what is seen here almost all dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. The portcullis looks less than authentic. Grade I listed.
Gatehouse, Ford Castle
Although a castle has existed on this site since the 13th century, what is seen here almost all dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. The portcullis looks less than authentic. Grade I listed.
Walled Garden, Ford Castle Outside corner of the garden.
Walled Garden, Ford Castle
Outside corner of the garden.
Cypress tree, Ford Castle Multiple trunks of a cypress tree standing beside the walkway to Ford Castle. Many of the trees on this avenue seem to exhibit the same fate.
Cypress tree, Ford Castle
Multiple trunks of a cypress tree standing beside the walkway to Ford Castle. Many of the trees on this avenue seem to exhibit the same fate.
Mural in the Lady Waterford Hall Louisa, Lady Waterford, dowager of the Ford Castle estate established the village school in 1860 and painted biblical scenes on the walls in pre-Raphaelite style. The hall is now a museum dedicated to her work.
Mural in the Lady Waterford Hall
Louisa, Lady Waterford, dowager of the Ford Castle estate established the village school in 1860 and painted biblical scenes on the walls in pre-Raphaelite style. The hall is now a museum dedicated to her work.
Mural in the Lady Waterford Hall Louisa, Lady Waterford, dowager of the Ford Castle estate established the village school in 1860 and painted biblical scenes on the walls in pre-Raphaelite style. The hall is now a museum dedicated to her work.
Mural in the Lady Waterford Hall
Louisa, Lady Waterford, dowager of the Ford Castle estate established the village school in 1860 and painted biblical scenes on the walls in pre-Raphaelite style. The hall is now a museum dedicated to her work.
Piano, Lady Waterford Hall This Bechstein piano dating from 1902 was first installed in St George's Church, Glasgow before being purchased for the Ford estate. There is an identical piano in Shaw's Corner in Hertfordshire, the home of George Bernard Shaw.
Piano, Lady Waterford Hall
This Bechstein piano dating from 1902 was first installed in St George's Church, Glasgow before being purchased for the Ford estate. There is an identical piano in Shaw's Corner in Hertfordshire, the home of George Bernard Shaw.
Village well, Ford
Village well, Ford
Hay Farm Looking across the yard at Hay Farm which has a number of heavy horses.
Hay Farm
Looking across the yard at Hay Farm which has a number of heavy horses.
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Ford Common is located at Grid Ref: NT9538 (Lat: 55.641195, Lng: -2.0663317)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria

What 3 Words

///budgeted.skies.kickers. Near Ford, Northumberland

Related Wikis

Lady Waterford Hall

Lady Waterford Hall is the former village school of the estate village of Ford, Northumberland. It is now used as the village hall and is a Grade II* listed...

Ford, Northumberland

Ford is a small village and civil parish in Northumberland, England, about 13 miles (21 km) from Berwick-upon-Tweed. The parish also includes Etal. �...

Ford Castle

Ford Castle is a Grade I listed building situated at a shallow crossing point on the River Till, Ford, Northumberland, England. The castle dates from about...

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Heatherslaw Mill is a water mill situated on the Ford and Etal Estate, 7 miles north of the town of Wooler in the English county of Northumberland. It...

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