Barnley Moss

Downs, Moorland in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Barnley Moss

Junction of gills The junction of Steel House Gill [left] and Long Gill [ahead] must mark the start of the River Burn, which is an insignificant beck at this point, towards the western end of the old coal mining area. — Junction of gills Credit: Gordon Hatton

Barnley Moss is a captivating expanse of moorland situated in the picturesque region of Yorkshire, England. Located in the heart of the Yorkshire Downs, this vast area of land stretches for miles, offering visitors a unique and breathtaking experience.

Covered in a thick carpet of heather and grass, Barnley Moss showcases the quintessential beauty of the Yorkshire countryside. The moorland is characterized by its undulating terrain, punctuated by small hills and valleys, providing visitors with stunning vistas at every turn.

The sprawling landscape of Barnley Moss is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The heather dominates the landscape and adds a splash of vibrant purple during the summer months. The moorland also supports a variety of grasses, mosses, and wildflowers, creating a rich tapestry of colors and textures.

This enchanting moorland is not only visually stunning but also plays a vital role in supporting a range of wildlife. Visitors may spot a myriad of bird species, including the iconic red grouse, skylarks, and curlews. The moorland is also home to small mammals such as stoats, hares, and voles.

Barnley Moss offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with numerous walking trails and paths for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. The moorland is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers, who are all drawn to the area's natural beauty and serenity.

In conclusion, Barnley Moss is a captivating expanse of moorland in Yorkshire, boasting stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and a peaceful ambiance that attracts visitors from near and far.

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Barnley Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.23238/-1.8558697 or Grid Reference SE0981. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Junction of gills

The junction of Steel House Gill [left] and Long Gill [ahead] must mark the start of the River Burn, which is an insignificant beck at this point, towards the western end of the old coal mining area.

Gordon Hatton

Great Roova Crags from above West Scrafton

Bill Griffiths

Disused mine on West Scrafton Moor

This is one of the largest of the old coal workings on this moor on the southern slopes of Coverdale.

Ray Woodcraft

Hollow Way on Moorland Track

The Red Way is an ancient route linking Coverdale and Colsterdale. Just below the present track is this old hollow way.

Gordon Hatton

A 'Boulder' Sheep

This Swaledale ewe kindly posed on the rock for the photographer. Ulfers Crags above Ulfers Gill in Caldbergh parish.

Gordon Hatton

New plantation at Ulfers Gill

A plantation of broadleaved trees [middle distance]on access land above Caldbergh.

Gordon Hatton

Ulfers Gill

The short section of bridleway that heads westwards into this grid square is soon lost on the ground. Its purpose is unclear, but other similar paths/tracks on the moors are often 'turf roads' leading to areas where peat was once gathered for fuel.

Gordon Hatton

Photographer's dilemma.

According to the 1:50000 map I could be standing exactly at the junction of 4 squares. The 1:25000 map would confirm that I'm about 10m within the chosen square and looking at the junction of the LRT which goes left towards a shooting house, and a 'mystery status' track [possibly a county road] that heads straight on towards Colsterdale.

Gordon Hatton

Bridleway below Great Roova Crags

Leaves West Scafton, and climbs up Great Bank on a diagonal below Great Roova Crags. Further on, one must rely on guide posts that eventually disappear leaving walkers stranded in no man's land amidst a sea of straggly heather. The boundary fences are the only reliable guide for passage to Nidderdale.

Chris Heaton

Tip on West Scrafton Moor

One of many reminders of mining activity that use to take place on these moors.

Chris Heaton

Bridleway on West Scrafton Moor

Connects Nidderdale with Coverdale. Unfortunately further behind towards Nidderdale, the track disappears and so do the guideposts, making it necessary to follow boundary fences. This is probably the reason why there are geographs still unclaimed in the vicinity.

Chris Heaton

Guidepost on East Scrafton Moss

The bridleway to Colsterdale from Coverdale is no longer evident on the ground. The guideposts then disappear leaving it impossible to continue in hostile terrain. Even if I did try for the unclaimed geographs further on, I would not be sure of the exact spot without sophisticated navigational equipment - which I do not possess, save for an old fashioned compass.

Chris Heaton

Shooting Butts on West Scrafton Moor

Seen close to the disused mines of West Scrafton Colliery.

Chris Heaton

On Barnley Moss

A makeshift animal bridge containing a trap has been erected over a clough on Barnley Moss a large expanse of heather moorland. I'm not sure what the intended catch is, stoats or weasels probably. The clough is discernible on the 1:25,000 map as a niche in the 450m index contour and actually had running water in it.

Mick Garratt

Animal Trap on Peat Moss

On a ridge leading up to East Scafton Moor and looking back towards Caldbergh Moor the gamekeeper has set a trap on this grouse moor. Presumably for stoats or weasels the trap contained a metal spring trap inside the tunnel.

Mick Garratt