Black Heath

Downs, Moorland in Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands

England

Black Heath

View from Ellastone Road at Windy Harbour Looking north east with the low buildings of Moorend Farm in the centre ahead. A plume of smoke is coming from the cement works at Cauldon with its enormous limestone quarry eating up Cauldon Low - the high area to the right of the shot. On the left emerging from behind a tree is the row of cottages on Stony Lane, Moorend which are also seen in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2966784">SK0648 : Terraced houses at Stony Lane, Moorend</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4458833">SK0648 : Terraced houses on Stony Lane</a> — View from Ellastone Road at Windy Harbour Credit: Trevor Harris

Black Heath is a rural area located in the county of Staffordshire, England. Situated in the northern part of the county, it is characterized by its picturesque landscape, encompassing both downs and moorland. The area covers a significant expanse, with Black Heath being one of the prominent settlements within this region.

The downs of Black Heath offer a unique and diverse habitat, consisting of rolling hills, grasslands, and meadows. These downs are known for their rich flora and fauna, with wildflowers such as primroses and bluebells adding vibrant colors to the landscape. The area is also home to various species of birds, including skylarks and meadow pipits, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

In contrast, the moorland of Black Heath showcases a more rugged and untamed terrain. With its extensive heather coverage and scattered boulders, this area provides a starkly beautiful sight. Moorland wildlife, such as grouse and hares, can often be spotted here, adding to the area's natural charm.

Black Heath is not heavily populated, with small communities scattered throughout the region. The residents mainly engage in agricultural activities, including sheep farming and crop cultivation. The tranquil and serene atmosphere of Black Heath attracts visitors seeking a peaceful retreat or those interested in exploring the region's natural beauty.

Overall, Black Heath, Staffordshire, offers a captivating blend of downs and moorland, boasting stunning landscapes and a rich natural heritage that is sure to captivate anyone who visits.

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Black Heath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.044534/-1.9234861 or Grid Reference SK0549. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View from Ellastone Road at Windy Harbour

Looking north east with the low buildings of Moorend Farm in the centre ahead. A plume of smoke is coming from the cement works at Cauldon with its enormous limestone quarry eating up Cauldon Low - the high area to the right of the shot. On the left emerging from behind a tree is the row of cottages on Stony Lane, Moorend which are also seen in SK0648 : Terraced houses at Stony Lane, Moorend and SK0648 : Terraced houses on Stony Lane

Trevor Harris

Waymarker Stone and Stile at Windyway Cross

On Staffordshire footpath Cotton 32 looking SE, the view NW is SK0548 : Footpath junction near the standing / guide stone. The Stone was used as a guide to the packhorse route over dryer ground, explained in Link

. Copper was transported from Ecton to the smelting works at Whiston Link

which became disused around 1880/98. Milestone Society National ID: ST_XIPS

Louise Marsden

Grazing Land on Ipstones Edge

Looking towards Black Heath from a spot close to the old copper route waymarker stone. The views from Ipstones Edge are outstanding and the Welsh mountains can be discerned on a good day.

Jonathan Clitheroe

Waymarker Stone at Windywaycross

This impressive stone stands at 8 feet high and was originally used to guide pack horse trains over drier ground from the copper mines at Ecton to the smelting works at Whiston. It was more cost effective to bring the copper ore to Whiston, where coal for smelting was available from the Foxt and Kingsley coalfields than to transport coal to the Ecton Copper Mine, as it took about four tons of coal to smelt one ton of copper ore. The white gable end of Windywaycross House can be deciphered in the distance to the left of the stone.

Jonathan Clitheroe

Road Junction Overlooking Cauldon

The Casey is seen joining Ellastone Road here with Cauldon Low on the horizon. The dwelling on the right is Moorland Cottage.

Jonathan Clitheroe

A523 at Winkhill village boundary

Colin Pyle

Old Milepost south of Blackbrook Bridge, Ipstones parish

Cast iron post by the UC road, in parish of IPSTONES (STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS District), Ipstones, on the verge in front of drystone wall, on West side of road. Lathe iron casting, erected by the County Council in the 19th/20th century. Inscription reads:- : LEEK 6 : : IPSTONES : : ELLASTONE 7¼ / ROCESTER 10¼ / UTTOXETER 14¾ : Maker:- : Chas. Lathe, Tipton. : Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1038065 Link

Milestone Society National ID: ST_LKUT06.

J Higgins

Old Milepost by the A523, Winkhill, Ipstones parish

Cast iron post by the A523, in parish of IPSTONES (STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS District), Winkhill, on the verge in front of footpath and drystone wall, on Southwest side of road. Ashbourne iron bobbin, erected by the Ashbourne to Leek & Congleton turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- : LEEK / 6 / MILES. : : LONDON 148 MILES : : ASHBN.. / 9 / MILES. : Maker:- : JAMES BASSETT ASHBOURNE 1834. : Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1374613 Link

Milestone Society National ID: ST_LKAB06.

J Higgins

Farm buildings

At Papermill Farm on the A523 near Winkhill.

Trevor Harris

The A523 out of Winkhill

With the track to Bank Farm going up the hill ahead.

Trevor Harris

Blackbrook Zoological Park

Set amid the Staffordshire Moorlands, Blackbrook Zoological Park has developed into a large and varied collection of some of the most rare and endangered species to be found in the world.

Ian Sanders

Mast

This is one of four masts on Ipstones Edge which don't exactly beautify the place.

Ian Calderwood

Ipstones Edge Farm

Ipstones Edge Farm is a dairy farm. It sits on the top of Ipstones Edge, above the village of Ipstones.

Ian Calderwood

Mineral Railway

This branch of the North Staffordshire Railway was built in the early 1900s to serve the limestone quarries at Caldon Low. Although it is currently disused, the track has not been removed and the line is technically only "mothballed". A passenger service also ran down a branch to Waterhouses, where it linked with the Manifold Light Railway. The house, to the left, is called Station House and is at the location of Winkhill Halt. The white tower in the background is the cement works at Cauldon Lowe.

Ian Calderwood

Swineholes Wood

Swineholes Wood is an area of upland heath on Ipstones Edge. The woods are stunted by the exposed position and the land is grazed by ponies, which are quite friendly. The site is a site of special scientific interest and is managed by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

Ian Calderwood

Disused railway near Winkhill

This was the North Staffordshire Railway's branch from Leek to Waterhouses. In latter years it served the quarries at Cauldon. The track still remains in place throughout.

Alan Murray-Rust