Red Brae

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

Red Brae

Cairn and rocks at Bollihope Carrs The ridge reaching Carrs Top between the Wear Valley and Bollihope is almost entirely grassy but at Bollihope Carrs there&#039;s an extensive if low rock outcrop with angular boulders exposed at the crest; some smaller rocks have been gathered to form a cairn. The distant view is to the north side of Weardale with the side valley of Rook Hope, tree lined and seen to the left of the cairn. — Cairn and rocks at Bollihope Carrs Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Red Brae is a picturesque and peaceful village located in Durham, England. Situated on the outskirts of Durham Downs and Moorland, it offers residents and visitors the perfect blend of rural charm and natural beauty. The village is known for its stunning landscapes, rolling hills, and tranquil atmosphere.

The architecture in Red Brae is predominantly traditional, with charming cottages and stone houses dotting the streets. The village is well-preserved, giving it a timeless appeal and a sense of history. Nestled amongst the stunning countryside, Red Brae provides residents with a close-knit community feel, where neighbors often gather for social events and celebrations.

The surrounding Durham Downs and Moorland offer an abundance of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Hiking, cycling, and horseback riding are popular ways to explore the vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness that can be found just a stone's throw away from Red Brae. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Red Brae boasts a small but vibrant local economy, with a few independent shops and businesses serving the needs of the community. For more extensive amenities, residents can easily access nearby towns and cities such as Durham, which is just a short drive away.

Overall, Red Brae in Durham Downs and Moorland offers a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle for those seeking a charming village setting surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

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Red Brae Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.702359/-2.0415241 or Grid Reference NY9734. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cairn and rocks at Bollihope Carrs

The ridge reaching Carrs Top between the Wear Valley and Bollihope is almost entirely grassy but at Bollihope Carrs there's an extensive if low rock outcrop with angular boulders exposed at the crest; some smaller rocks have been gathered to form a cairn. The distant view is to the north side of Weardale with the side valley of Rook Hope, tree lined and seen to the left of the cairn.

Trevor Littlewood

Archaeological dig north of Bollihope Burn

A group led from Newcastle University had excavated what was thought to be a seventeenth century dwelling or possibly an old mine shop on the west side of an enclosure north of Bollihope Burn. When the image was recorded the digging out had been completed; the on-going activity was to re-cover what had been exposed and to reinstate the site. Beyond the dig site grassy slopes rise to the north-west and the ridge leading to Carrs Top.

Trevor Littlewood

Slope of northern side of upper Bollihope

The Bollihope Burn is a significant tributary of the River Wear. The view here is along the grassy northern flank of the upper valley with the hill, Catterick in view left of centre. The Bollihope Burn is of course down-slope to the right.

Trevor Littlewood

A 'Watter Rord' east of Carr's Top

Once when walking in the area east of Carr's Top between the Bollihope Burn and Weardale, there was shepherding activity and coming upon a farmer we were asked to avoid disturbance by keeping to the 'watter rord' - the water road - meaning a water cut or leet around the slope of the hill; this is not that cut but another. The purpose of these leets was two fold; to intercept streams draining down hill and to transport their water to another location for use. In this part of County Durham that would almost certainly be in the metal mining industry.

Trevor Littlewood