Low Lands

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

Low Lands

Skew Bridge This stone bridge carried the Haggerleazes Branch of Stockton and Darlington Railway over the River Gaunless. It was built in 1830 and was the world&#039;s first railway crossing at an acute angle. It was designed by George Dixon of Cockfield. Locally it is known as the &quot;Swin Bridge&quot;. — Skew Bridge Credit: Mick Garratt

Low Lands, Durham is a picturesque and diverse area located in the northeastern region of England. Spanning across Durham, this landscape is characterized by its low-lying terrain, encompassing downs, moorland, and various other natural features. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and abundant wildlife, Low Lands is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The downs in Low Lands offer expansive grasslands and rolling hills, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These areas are often grazed by livestock, contributing to the region's agricultural heritage. The downs also serve as habitats for a variety of plant and animal species, including wildflowers, birds, and small mammals.

Moorland, another prominent feature of Low Lands, consists of vast expanses of heather-covered hills and valleys. The unique flora and fauna found in these areas thrive in the acidic soil conditions, creating a distinct and vibrant ecosystem. Moorland is also well-known for its historic significance, as it has been utilized for centuries for grazing, peat extraction, and even as a backdrop for literary works.

Low Lands, Durham is not only blessed with natural beauty but also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The area is dotted with ancient archaeological sites, including prehistoric settlements and burial mounds, which offer glimpses into the region's early human history. Additionally, remnants of medieval castles and ruins stand as reminders of the area's past conflicts and the resilience of its inhabitants.

Overall, Low Lands, Durham is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and a deep-rooted history. It offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility of its downs, explore the rugged moorland, and discover the stories embedded in its ancient landmarks.

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Low Lands Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.621674/-1.7956804 or Grid Reference NZ1325. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Skew Bridge

This stone bridge carried the Haggerleazes Branch of Stockton and Darlington Railway over the River Gaunless. It was built in 1830 and was the world's first railway crossing at an acute angle. It was designed by George Dixon of Cockfield. Locally it is known as the "Swin Bridge".

Mick Garratt

South Abutment of Ruined Viaduct

This viaduct spanned the River Gaunless and was built in 1862. It carried the South Durham and Lancashire Railway from Bishop Auckland to Barnard Castle. It was designed by Thomas Bouch who is best remembered for the Tay Bridge disaster. This bridge however successfully served its purpose and was demolished when the railway was abandoned. See NZ1225 : River Gaunless for accompanying picture.

Mick Garratt

Cockfield Tofts

These long gardens known as Tofts behind the houses are typical of a linear village like Cockfield. Traditionally they would have provided all the household food but now are almost exclusively used for grazing with a few free range checkens.

Mick Garratt

Pigeon Crees, Cockfield Fell

Cockfield Fell was not included in the 18c Enclosure Acts and today the fell remains in the tenure of the people of Cockfield. Among the rights the commoners of Cockfield enjoy is the right to be able to graze sheep and cattle and to erect pigeon crees.

Mick Garratt

River Gaunless

Looking downstream just above a ruined weir. This is the remains of Lands Mill, which was shown as a Corn Mill c.1874. It was connected to the Haggerleases (Butterknowles) Branch Line between 1910 & 1921, but was shown to be disused by 1939. It had been demolished by 1954. The Branch Line shut in 1963, and all the track had gone by 1965. Most of this info was gleemed from various internet sites & a few pictures of the railway yards. Behind the Mill stood Lands Mill Cottages from 1885-1945, but they had also been completely removed from the 1974 OS.Map. (Thanks to Matthew Hatton for this info.)

Mick Garratt

Ramshaw

South western aspect of the former colliery village of Ramshaw. The colliery operated between 1942 and 1959.

Mick Garratt

Cockfield Fell, the Land Where Time Has Stood Still

The 600 acre Cockfield Fell somehow managed to avoid being included in the 18c Enclosure Acts and today remain in the tenure of the people of Cockfield. Throughout the centuries it has been heavily exploited. To the left of the pylon in the picture in the bracken is a Romano-British settlement. Elsewhere whinstone, sandstone and coal have all been extracted at some time. There have been brickworks and coke works and Cockfield has the first record of a colliery in England, in 1365. Two abandoned railways pass through the site. All this justifies its protection as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Photo looking north towards Haggerleases Farm.

Mick Garratt

Pigeon Crees, Cockfield Fell

One of the commoners' rights the people of Cockfield enjoy is to erect pigeon crees such as these. Normally only the Lord of the Manor was permitted to have a dovecote to provide squabs (young pigeons) for his table. If everyone had them the pigeons would have caused havoc with the crops. Nowadays these pigeons are for show and racing but judging by the state of some of the crees young fanciers are not taking up the hobby.

Mick Garratt

Spoil Tips, Cockfield Fell

These tips are dumped waste from the dolerite quarry. The shapes are the result of using pulleys, horses and rope hauled barrows along the waste heaps. In the distance is the village of Cockfield with its distinctive linear gardens or tofts.

Mick Garratt

River Gaunless

The brick column is the remaining pier of the South Durham and Lancashire Railway viaduct built in 1862. See NZ1225 : South Abutment of Ruined Viaduct for other pier and abutment.

Mick Garratt

Dolerite Quarry, Cockfield

Dolerite is one of the many stone and minerals that have been extracted from Cockfield Fell over the centuries. It is a green form of whinstone, a volcanic rock forced up through a fault in the earth's crust and is extremely hard and used for road surfacing. The fault is known to be 72 miles long and has been extracted wherever it nears the surface. See NZ5612 : Langbaurgh Ridge.

Mick Garratt