Barden Moor

Downs, Moorland in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Barden Moor

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

Barden Moor, located in Yorkshire, England, is a picturesque expanse of open countryside that encompasses both downs and moorland. Covering an area of approximately 2,500 acres, it is situated within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

The moorland landscape of Barden Moor is characterized by rolling hills, heather-covered expanses, and scattered stands of trees. This habitat attracts a rich variety of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Species such as curlews, lapwings, red grouse, and merlins can be spotted in this area, along with an array of butterflies and insects.

The moorland is intersected by several footpaths and trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, and mountain biking. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby River Wharfe and the imposing ruins of Barden Tower.

Historically, Barden Moor has been used for sheep farming and grouse shooting, reflecting the area's agricultural heritage. Visitors may encounter flocks of hardy Swaledale sheep grazing peacefully on the moorland, adding to the bucolic charm of the landscape.

Barden Moor is also steeped in history, with numerous archaeological sites scattered across the area. These include prehistoric burial mounds, ancient stone circles, and remnants of Iron Age settlements, providing a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

Overall, Barden Moor offers a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the stunning Yorkshire countryside.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Barden Moor Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.355933/-1.7869519 or Grid Reference SE1395. 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.
Boston Bridge
Carries the A6108 over Black Beck. View from Boston Farm track. Notice the crows gathering.
Boston Beck A6108 crossing the beck near Boston Farm.
Boston Beck
A6108 crossing the beck near Boston Farm.
Junction, A6108 Near Halfpenny House.
Junction, A6108
Near Halfpenny House.
Road junction signs south of Boston Bridge A6108 southbound
Road junction signs south of Boston Bridge
A6108 southbound
Old Tank Hulk Rusty, decaying Chieftain tank hulk on Catterick training area.
Old Tank Hulk
Rusty, decaying Chieftain tank hulk on Catterick training area.
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.
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.
Pillbox above Halfpenny House Pillbox situated on the edge of MOD ranges facing southwest in the general direction of Leyburn
Pillbox above Halfpenny House
Pillbox situated on the edge of MOD ranges facing southwest in the general direction of Leyburn
Tank Roads on Barden Fell Keep out! MOD property!
Tank Roads on Barden Fell
Keep out! MOD property!
Barden Moor MOD ranges just outside Catterick Garrison, with Hagworm Hill, the clump of trees to the right.
Barden Moor
MOD ranges just outside Catterick Garrison, with Hagworm Hill, the clump of trees to the right.
East Barden Dykes Smallholding in the lee of the hill.
East Barden Dykes
Smallholding in the lee of the hill.
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.
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.
Sheep pasture, Willow Gill Rough pasture with sheep at Willow Gill at the edge of the Catterick ranges.
Sheep pasture, Willow Gill
Rough pasture with sheep at Willow Gill at the edge of the Catterick ranges.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Barden Moor Pastureland to the south of Barden Moor.
Barden Moor
Pastureland to the south of Barden Moor.
Barden Moor A track in a copse in the military training area on Barden Moor.
Barden Moor
A track in a copse in the military training area on Barden Moor.
Barden Moor A track junction in a copse within the military training area on Barden Moor.
Barden Moor
A track junction in a copse within the military training area on Barden Moor.
Show me another place!

Barden Moor is located at Grid Ref: SE1395 (Lat: 54.355933, Lng: -1.7869519)

Division: North Riding

Administrative County: North Yorkshire

District: Richmondshire

Police Authority: North Yorkshire

What 3 Words

///hoops.poses.lump. Near Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire

Nearby Locations

Barden Moor Hagworm Hill

Related Wikis

Hipswell Moor

Hipswell Moor is an area used for military training, near Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, England. It includes parts of the civil parishes of Barden...

Walburn, North Yorkshire

Walburn is a hamlet and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England. It is located in lower Swaledale, 5 miles (8 km) south-west of Richmond. The population...

Barden, Richmondshire

Barden is a hamlet and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England. It is about 5 miles (8 km) south of Richmond. According to the 2001 census the parish...

Hauxwell Hall

Hauxwell Hall or Hawkswell Hall is a grade II* listed 17th-century country house in West Hauxwell, North Yorkshire, England, some 5 miles (8 km) south...

Swaledale

Swaledale is a valley in North Yorkshire, England. It is one of the Yorkshire Dales, which are part of the Pennines, and within the Yorkshire Dales National...

Stainton, west North Yorkshire

Stainton is a hamlet and civil parish in the North Yorkshire district of North Yorkshire, England. It is located just outside the Yorkshire Dales National...

Garriston

Garriston is a hamlet and civil parish north-east of Leyburn in North Yorkshire, England. In 2015, North Yorkshire County Council estimated the population...

Downholme

Downholme is a village and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England. It is situated approximately 4 miles (6 km) west from the market town of Richmond...

Have you been to Barden Moor?

Leave your review of Barden Moor below (or comments, questions and feedback).