The Old Moss

Downs, Moorland in Yorkshire

England

The Old Moss

The Old Moss, located in Yorkshire, is a picturesque area that encompasses both the Yorkshire Downs and Moorland. With its stunning landscape and rich biodiversity, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The Yorkshire Downs section of The Old Moss is characterized by rolling hills and expansive meadows. The lush greenery, dotted with vibrant wildflowers in the summer months, creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The Downs are home to a variety of wildlife, including rabbits, foxes, and various bird species. It is not uncommon to spot kestrels soaring through the skies or hear the distinctive call of the skylark.

The Moorland area of The Old Moss is a stark contrast to the Downs. It is a rugged and wild terrain, dominated by vast stretches of heather and bracken. The purple hues of the heather in bloom provide a striking visual spectacle. Moorland birds such as curlews and lapwings can be seen nesting in the area, and occasionally, red grouse can be spotted too. The Moorland also boasts ancient stone formations and remnants of historic mining activity, adding to its cultural and historical significance.

The Old Moss offers numerous walking trails and paths, allowing visitors to explore its diverse landscapes. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, there are options suitable for all levels of fitness and experience. The area's natural beauty, combined with its rich biodiversity, makes The Old Moss a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the Yorkshire countryside.

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The Old Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.520801/-2.0370592 or Grid Reference NY9713. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bowes Castle

Strategic castle built within an earlier Roman Fort Link

Sandy Gerrard

Heading South from West Stoney Keld

This bridleway links two alternative versions of the Pennine Way - the main way which crosses the A66 via an underpass at Pasture End, and the Bowes alternative which ascends to West Stoney Keld. This view is just after leaving the estate track west of West Stoney Keld heading towards the A66 and, in our case, a loop back round to Bowes over a mixture of public and permissive footpaths. I suspect it is not much used by walkers (nor cyclists or equestrians) but sees most traffic in its northern half, where it takes clients to a line of grouse butts half a kilometre to the SW of the point from which this shot was taken. It certainly gets fainter beyond them, though is still readily followed in good visibility.

Andy Waddington

Long Close Lane

David Robinson

West Pasture Farm

David Robinson

Farm Bridge Across River Greta

The bridge takes the farm track to West Charity Farm.

David Robinson

Rove Gill Draining Dryrigg

David Robinson

Roundshaw Rigg, Ravock Moor

David Robinson

Ravock

Faint path across Ravock moorland.

David Robinson

Stonykeld Spring

A gated stone structure is built above Stonykeld spring in a shallow hollow at Stoney Keld. A significant flow of water can be heard at the spring, though the quality of the water may be debatable as the northern slopes that bound the depression are on the edge of the former RAF Bowes Moor, the RAF's chemical weapons storage facility during and shortly after WWII.

David Robinson

Derelict Building At Former RAF Bowes Moor

RAF Bowes Moor was the RAF's storage facility for chemical weapons during and shortly after WWII. Most of the many storage compounds have been raised to foundation wall level, though the one pictured remains with some structure remaining.

David Robinson

Site of former RAF Bowes Moor

RAF Bowes Moor was the RAF's chemical weapons storage facility during and shortly after WWII.

David Robinson

Reservoir Above Bowes

David Robinson

Bowes Castle

The stone castle replaced an earlier wooden structure in the 1170s on the orders of Henry II in anticipation of Scottish attack in the years before the 'Great Revolt'. The ruins are managed by English Heritage, who give a short history here: Link

David Robinson

Bowes Castle

Anthony Parkes

The Lane into Bowes

Anthony Parkes

The Ancient Unicorn Public House

Anthony Parkes

Bowes houses [1]

Bowes Hall, The Street, is a large house built in the early and later 17th century. The house was refronted and extended in the early or mid 18th century, when the two right bays and the top storey were added. Constructed of rubble stone, the later work squared and coursed, under a slate roof. Many original internal features and fittings remain. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Bowes is a village in County Durham, some 14 miles northwest of Richmond and about 18½ miles due west of Darlington. Set on the north bank of the River Greta, the village was, until by-passed, astride the A66 trunk road. The Romans had a fort here, guarding the Stainmore pass over the Pennines, and their site was reused by the Normans who built a castle. The village grew around the castle, and the name Bowes is first mentioned in a charter of 1148.

Michael Dibb

Bowes features [1]

The garden walls, gate piers and gates of Bowes Hall NY9913 : Bowes houses [1] were erected in the mid 18th century. Squared, coursed rubble stone walls and ashlar gate piers with mid 19th century iron gates. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

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The Old Moss is located at Grid Ref: NY9713 (Lat: 54.520801, Lng: -2.0370592)

Division: North Riding

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham