Bracken Parks

Downs, Moorland in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Bracken Parks

Old barn below East Witton The sunny, and lee side of the barn was providing shelter for sheep on this very cold but sunny day. The ruined barn was of interest as it shows how such ruins can become mini refuges for trees and other vegetation away from the nibbling of sheep. — Old barn below East Witton Credit: Gordon Hatton

Bracken Parks is a picturesque area located in Yorkshire, England, encompassing both the Downs and Moorland landscapes. It is renowned for its natural beauty, offering visitors a diverse range of scenic views and outdoor activities.

The Downs of Bracken Parks are characterized by rolling hills and vast open spaces. The landscape is predominantly covered in lush green grasslands, dotted with patches of bracken, wildflowers, and grazing animals. These open areas provide ample opportunities for recreational activities such as walking, picnicking, and kite flying. The Downs also offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

On the other hand, the Moorland in Bracken Parks presents a more rugged and wild terrain. It features vast expanses of heather-covered hills, interspersed with rocky outcrops and peat bogs. This unique ecosystem is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including grouse, curlew, and bilberry. Many visitors enjoy hiking or mountain biking through the moorland, taking in the breathtaking vistas and experiencing the tranquility of the untouched wilderness.

Bracken Parks also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with several historic sites and landmarks scattered throughout the area. These include ancient burial mounds, ruins of old farmsteads, and remnants of Bronze Age settlements. Visitors can explore these sites while learning about the region's fascinating history.

In summary, Bracken Parks in Yorkshire offers visitors a diverse and captivating experience, with its combination of picturesque Downs and untamed Moorland landscapes. Whether seeking tranquility, outdoor adventures, or a glimpse into the past, this area has something to offer for everyone.

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Bracken Parks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.272112/-1.8157763 or Grid Reference SE1286. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old barn below East Witton

The sunny, and lee side of the barn was providing shelter for sheep on this very cold but sunny day. The ruined barn was of interest as it shows how such ruins can become mini refuges for trees and other vegetation away from the nibbling of sheep.

Gordon Hatton

Riverbank erosion

The Cover has been eroding the bank here and endangering the footpath. The autumn and winter of 2023/4 has seen a succession of floods along Dales rivers and this erosion is probably a result.

Gordon Hatton

Stepping stones across the Cover

After a few days of respite from heavy rain, the dry and frosty conditions has seen water levels drop sufficiently for the stepping stones to be visible - and usable again.

Gordon Hatton

Hazard for walkers

Crossing a field on Middleham parish path number 24 involved dodging an unpleasant hazard in the form of a muck spreader which was going up and down the field as this contributor hurried past hoping not to get a direct hit.

Gordon Hatton

Training gallops south of Middleham

This all weather track doesn't appear on any maps, so must be relatively new. The flat top of Penhill appears on the left of the photo.

Gordon Hatton

Path towards East Witton

The sheep here seemed unconcerned at the sight of a passing walker. To the right, at the edge of the photo are some old plough strips, whilst on the horizon is the long flat shape of the western edge of the North York Moors.

Gordon Hatton

The River Cover at Hullo Bridge

Looking downstream along a delightful stretch of the Cover at a point where it is flanked by limestone outcrops.

Gordon Hatton

Path to Hullo Bridge

Winter sunshine filters through the trees making this an attractive scene. Checking old OS maps after this visit, I discovered a lime kiln marked within a few metres of this point. One wonders if it has disappeared entirely or whether this contributor wasn't paying attention.

Gordon Hatton

A suspicious line along the hillside

What appeared to be a man-made construction along the hillside above the River Cover was confirmed by checking the first edition OS map of the 1850's which showed this as a leat supplying water from the Cover to what was presumably a water wheel some 100m further east where the old map indicates the site of Braithwaite Lead Mine buildings. No trace of these remain as the mine was only small scale and was probably already redundant by the mid 19th century.

Gordon Hatton

Six Dales path south of Middleham

The named route is only a half mile from its finish in Middleham here, where it passes by an ash tree and an old barn.

Gordon Hatton

Neville Hall, Middleham

Grade II listed and described as mid 19th century and of ashlar sandstone construction under a hipped roof. To me, the classical lines look more like an early 19thC Georgian style, rather than the more florid tastes of the Victorians. The rather battered and eroded Swine Cross is in the foreground.

Gordon Hatton

Important buildings in Middleham

The most obvious of these buildings is the huge ruined castle, often referred to as the 'Windsor of the north'. To the right is the tower of St Mary & St Alkelda's church, whilst nearer to the camera on the right, the rather less notable, but still important buildings are those of the Castle Hill Stables, one of several horse racing stables in this Wensleydale 'mini town'. In the distance, the houses in Leyburn stand out in the January sunshine.

Gordon Hatton

Middleham Castle

The view northwards from Middleham Castle, which once belonged to Richard Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III

David Hatch

Middleham Castle

Although ruined, substantial sections of the castle still remain

David Hatch

Middleham Castle

English Heritage site.

Lisa Batty

Off to the gallops in Middleham

Middleham is one of the great centres for the training of racehorses in Britain; here the horses are moving off in the early morning to the gallops on Middleham Low Moor.

Chris Yeates

Ridge-and-furrow near Braithwaite Hall

Medieval ridge-and-furrow is clearly shown in slanting winter sunlight; the 17th century farmhouse of Braithwaite hall is at upper right.

Chris Yeates

Witton Fell

Taken by the River Ure, this looks south west to Witton Fell. The summit is now well smothered by a plantation - for me, though it marks the entrance of Wensleydale proper.

Chris Heaton

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Bracken Parks is located at Grid Ref: SE1286 (Lat: 54.272112, Lng: -1.8157763)

Division: North Riding

Administrative County: North Yorkshire

District: Richmondshire

Police Authority: North Yorkshire