Blackburn Fell

Downs, Moorland in Durham

England

Blackburn Fell

Tyneside Locomotive Museum Credit: Mick Garratt

Blackburn Fell, situated in County Durham, England, is a picturesque area known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecological features. Covering a vast expanse of moorland, the fell provides a haven for various flora and fauna, attracting nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The rugged and undulating terrain of Blackburn Fell showcases an impressive display of heather, grasses, and wildflowers, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape. The area is home to a wide array of bird species, including skylarks, curlews, and meadow pipits, which can be spotted soaring through the open skies or nesting on the ground during breeding season.

The fell offers a network of footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore its many hidden gems. Hikers and walkers can revel in the tranquility of the surroundings while marveling at panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The vast openness of the moorland is perfect for those seeking solitude and a chance to reconnect with nature.

Blackburn Fell is also steeped in history, with remnants of ancient settlements and burial sites scattered throughout the area. Archaeological discoveries such as stone circles and cairns have provided insight into the lives of the people who once inhabited these lands.

For those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Blackburn Fell offers a serene retreat in the heart of County Durham. Its unspoiled beauty and rich biodiversity make it a haven for nature lovers and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region.

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Blackburn Fell Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.922253/-1.6652263 or Grid Reference NZ2158. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tyneside Locomotive Museum

Mick Garratt

Tyneside Locomotive Museum

Mick Garratt

Footpath to Hedley Lane

Mick Garratt

Site of former reservoir

Mick Garratt

Course of the former Pontop & Jarrow Railway

Re-named as the Bowes Railway in 1932. Wikipedia Contributors (2021). Bowes Railway. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: Link

[Accessed 2 Dec. 2021].

Mick Garratt

Marley Hill signal box

The signal box is on the eastern side of the Tanfield Railway north of the Andrews House Station; it's seen here from the bridge over the line between those two locations.

Trevor Littlewood

Andrews House Station

Andrews House is one of the intermediate stations on the Tanfield Railway. The train in this view would wait here for about half an hour allowing passengers to alight and visit the engine shed and workshop at Marley Hill.

Stephen McKay

Water tanks - Andrews House Station

These torpedo-like water tanks are located at the north end of Andrews House Station, ready to replenish thirsty steam engines. A supply of coal is also available. The North Eastern Railway notice warns that any person trespassing on the railway is liable to a fine of 40/- (£2) - that would be equivalent to about £90 today, assuming a base year of 1922, just before the grouping ended the company's independent existence.

Stephen McKay

Marley Hill - railway yard

The shed and sidings at Marley Hill are part of the Tanfield Railway but are at right angles to the line itself. There is a large collection of antique rolling stock here.

Stephen McKay

No 2 at Marley Hill

No 2, a rare surviving early diesel shunting locomotive built by Armstring Whitworth in 1933, stands outside the Tanfield Railway's engine shed at Marley Hill. It looks in fine condition and is, from all accounts, a good runner. To the left a small party is on a guided tour of the shed and workshop.

Stephen McKay

Marley Hill Engine Shed

The Tanfield Railway's engine shed at Marley Hill is claimed to be the oldest in the world to have been in continuous use by steam locomotives. In this view the splendidly-restored 'Horden', built by Andrew Barclay at Kilmarnock in 1904, takes pride of place; she spent her working life as a colliery locomotive at Horden and Shotton Collieries.

Stephen McKay

Wagons at Marley Hill

Among the various items of rolling stock outside the sheds at Marley Hill are these wagons - looking a good deal smarter than they would have done in their working days! On the immediate left is a 21 tonne vacuum braked hopper with its old British Rail number B 419721.

Stephen McKay

Rail crane at Marley Hill

Despite its slightly dilapidated appearance this rail-mounted diesel-electric 10 ton crane, built in 1957, is still in working order.

Stephen McKay

Wagons at Marley Hill

A collection of restored mineral wagons outside the sheds at Marley Hill.

Stephen McKay

Tanfield Railway, Marley Hill

Just north of Andrews House station the line passes Marley Hill signal cabin just before the connection to Marley Hill sheds. At one time another mineral line crossed here at right angles.

Stephen McKay

Signals at Marley Hill

These signals on the Tanfield Railway control the passing loop at Andrews House station. Behind them is Marley Hill signal cabin.

Stephen McKay

Andrews House Station

A northbound Tanfield Railway train awaits departure from Andrews House to Sunniside. It has stood here for some time to allow passengers to visit the engine shed at Marley Hill if they wished.

Stephen McKay

No 49 at Andrews House

No 49 awaits departure from Andrews House to Sunniside. She was built by Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns in Newcastle in 1943, passing to the NCB after the Second World War, and was acquired by the Tanfield Railway in 1980.

Stephen McKay

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Blackburn Fell is located at Grid Ref: NZ2158 (Lat: 54.922253, Lng: -1.6652263)

Unitary Authority: Gateshead

Police Authority: Northumbria