Mickley Common

Downs, Moorland in Northumberland

England

Mickley Common

New Ridley village, not looking its best. Credit: Ann Hodgson

Mickley Common, located in the county of Northumberland in England, is a picturesque area known for its stunning downs and moorland landscapes. Spanning approximately 200 acres, Mickley Common is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich biodiversity and significant geological features.

The downs of Mickley Common are characterized by gently rolling hills covered in lush grasses and wildflowers, creating a vibrant and colorful scenery throughout the year. This area provides habitat for a variety of bird species, including skylarks and meadow pipits, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

In contrast, the moorland of Mickley Common offers a more rugged and wild environment. Here, heather dominates the landscape, painting the hillsides in vibrant hues of purple during the summer months. The moorland is also home to several species of ground-nesting birds, such as curlews and lapwings, which thrive in the open and undisturbed habitat.

Visitors to Mickley Common can enjoy a range of activities, including walking and hiking along the numerous trails that crisscross the area. The stunning vistas from the downs and moorland provide excellent opportunities for photography and painting, attracting artists and photographers from near and far.

Mickley Common is a haven for nature lovers and a vital ecosystem within Northumberland. Its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.

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Mickley Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.941502/-1.8932471 or Grid Reference NZ0660. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

New Ridley village, not looking its best.

Ann Hodgson

Hindley from Bale Hill

Ann Hodgson

Bus Stop, New Ridley

Clive Nicholson

Foot Bridge and Ford on Batt House Road

Clive Nicholson

Stocksfield Golf Club and Course

Clive Nicholson

Hedley on the Hill village limits and Millennium Stone

The road climbs up the steep hill from Stocksfield and enters the village from the west. The Millennium Stone has a seat on the other side for those wanting to enjoy the grand view of the Tyne valley.

Clive Nicholson

Hedley on the Hill

A village perched perched high on the crest of the ridge between the Derwent valley and Tynedale at an altitudeof about 240 metres.

Oliver Dixon

T-Rex, Hedley on the Hill

Les Hull

The Feathers

Public house in the dramatically sited village of Hedley-on-the-Hill. The name the Feathers derives from the feathers on the plumes of the horses used to carry lead ore from the mines at Allendale to the smelters at Blaydon. Hedley was an overnight stop on the "Lead road" in the 19th century.

Oliver Dixon

Hedley-on-the-Hill Millennium Stone

A seat has been factored in to the Millennium Stone which stands at the western end of the village. An interpretive plaque stands close by. From the seat, dramatic views of the Tyne valley and of Northumberland can be seen.

Oliver Dixon

East Ridley, Stocksfield

Houses at East Ridley

Clive Nicholson

Modigars Lane footpath

Clive Nicholson

The Dr. Syntax

Dr Syntax was born in 1811 and won the Preston Gold Cup seven times, the Richmond Gold Cup five times, and Lancaster Gold Cup five times. He was trained in Middleham near Leyburn, was the sire of the famous racehorse Beeswing and died in 1838. [My thanks to Trish Steel for this information.] See also NZ0962 : The Dr. Syntax.

Mike Quinn

Sign for the Dr. Syntax

See NZ0559 : The Dr. Syntax.

Mike Quinn

Sign for the Dr. Syntax - the other side: spot the differences

See NZ0559 : Sign for the Dr. Syntax. The jockey, who is looking in a slightly different direction, appears to have bushier eyebrows and has also done something to his sideboards; he has also taken off his white scarf. The owner, who has moved back slightly (so that there is no gap of sky between him and the building) has either a smaller hat or a larger head or both, and now wears a plain white scarf; also, his waistcoat now sports several buttons, possibly transferred from his gaiters. The horse's reins are different (below its neck) and the stirrup is of a different type. In the background below the horse's head there is now only one hill where there used to be two. The whole of the right hand building with the red roof is now visible. Oh, and the sky is completely different. Otherwise quite similar.

Mike Quinn