Barden Fell

Downs, Moorland in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Barden Fell

Boston Bridge Carries the A6108 over Black Beck. View from Boston Farm track. Notice the crows gathering. — Boston Bridge Credit: wfmillar

Barden Fell is a picturesque expanse of rugged moorland located in the Yorkshire Dales, England. Situated in the county of Yorkshire, it forms part of the larger Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With its rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and heather-covered slopes, Barden Fell offers visitors a stunning display of natural beauty.

Covering an area of approximately 5 square miles, Barden Fell is characterized by its undulating terrain, reaching elevations of up to 1,200 feet. The moorland is predominantly composed of heather, creating a vibrant purple carpet during the summer months. This unique habitat supports a diverse range of wildlife, including red grouse, curlews, and the occasional merlin.

The fell is crisscrossed by a network of footpaths and trails, providing ample opportunities for walkers and hikers to explore the area. One of the most popular routes is the Barden Moor Circular Walk, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including glimpses of the famous Bolton Abbey.

Barden Fell also holds historical significance, with the ruins of the Barden Tower perched on its slopes. This 15th-century fortified house was once a hunting lodge for the Clifford family, providing a glimpse into the area's past.

The moorland is easily accessible, with car parking available near Barden Bridge. However, visitors are advised to come prepared, as the weather can be unpredictable, and the terrain can be challenging in some areas.

Overall, Barden Fell is a haven for nature lovers, offering a peaceful retreat and a chance to immerse oneself in the wild beauty of the Yorkshire countryside.

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Barden Fell Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.359465/-1.787026 or Grid Reference SE1396. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Boston Bridge

Carries the A6108 over Black Beck. View from Boston Farm track. Notice the crows gathering.

wfmillar

Boston Beck

A6108 crossing the beck near Boston Farm.

wfmillar

Junction, A6108

Near Halfpenny House.

wfmillar

Road junction signs south of Boston Bridge

A6108 southbound

John Firth

Old Tank Hulk

Rusty, decaying Chieftain tank hulk on Catterick training area.

Siobhan Brennan-Raymond

Track Junction

Track junction at Barden Moor, Catterick Training Area, there are safety posts along the side of the road due to the steep drop. An old tank hulk is a permanent feature here, used for training purposes.

Siobhan Brennan-Raymond

Pillbox above Halfpenny House

Pillbox situated on the edge of MOD ranges facing southwest in the general direction of Leyburn

Tony Simms

Track to Waithwith Bank Plantation

And on to Hudswell Moor. MOD training area.

Tony Simms

Tank Roads on Barden Fell

Keep out! MOD property!

Tony Simms

Barden Moor

MOD ranges just outside Catterick Garrison, with Hagworm Hill, the clump of trees to the right.

Tony Simms

East Barden Dykes

Smallholding in the lee of the hill.

Tony Simms

Plantation on Barden Moor

Effectively screening MOD land from the outside world. Just visible is a "no entry" warning sign which proliferate in this area.

Tony Simms

Sheep pasture, Willow Gill

Rough pasture with sheep at Willow Gill at the edge of the Catterick ranges.

Gordon Hatton

Barden Lane

Latest edition OS maps show this now as a 'Byway open to all traffic' [BOAT] which would suggest a change of grading from county road.

Gordon Hatton

Road to Leyburn

This unclassified road is today a busy route from Catterick Garrison to Leyburn and is one of several routes in the area referred to as 'tank roads'. Old OS maps show this as little more than a track, but one would assume that it was upgraded to a highway by the military as the Catterick ranges were developed.

Gordon Hatton

Site of Walburn DMV

There was a village here in the medieval period, but all that remains now is nearby Walburn Hall and its associated buildings. The village extended up this hillside and along either side of the short straight of the A6108 past the hall, the visible ridges here being the outlines of the 'crofts and tofts' which were the houses and their long 'gardens' used for cultivation and the keeping of a few animals. Little can be seen in this photo, but the houses were to the right of the photo facing what is now a stone wall down the middle of what was once a green with a small stream running down the centre. The crofts extended across the hillside to the left with a 'back lane' now visible as a sunken way [off picture to left]. To the right of the wall and below the small copse were more houses which faced the green from the other side. This is one of the best deserted medieval village sites in North Yorkshire and is well documented, but unfortunately is all on private land. For details of this and other sites in the area, read 'Valley of the Wild River' by Andrew Fleming.

Gordon Hatton