Black Hill

Hill, Mountain in Cumberland Carlisle

England

Black Hill

Footbridge at Brampton Junction on the Newcastle to Carlisle Railway Credit: Les Hull

Black Hill is a prominent hill located in the county of Cumberland, in the northwest region of England. Standing at an elevation of 609 meters (1,998 feet), it is classified as a Marilyn, which is a hill with a prominence of at least 150 meters (492 feet).

Situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Black Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Its distinctive dark coloring, which gives the hill its name, is due to the presence of peat on its slopes. This peat, formed from decomposed vegetation over thousands of years, has resulted in a unique habitat that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, walkers, and nature lovers. Several well-marked footpaths and trails crisscross the landscape, allowing visitors to explore its rugged terrain and enjoy the stunning vistas. The Pennine Way, one of Britain's most famous long-distance trails, also passes near Black Hill, attracting many long-distance hikers.

The summit of Black Hill is crowned by a trig point, a concrete pillar used in surveying. On a clear day, it offers magnificent views extending as far as the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The area surrounding the hill is also home to various wildlife, such as curlews, lapwings, and red grouse, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Overall, Black Hill in Cumberland is a captivating natural landmark, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the North Pennines and experience the tranquility of its remote and untamed landscape.

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Black Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.937424/-2.6898772 or Grid Reference NY5560. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footbridge at Brampton Junction on the Newcastle to Carlisle Railway

Les Hull

Railway towards Carlisle

Taken from footbridge at Brampton Junction

Les Hull

Train at Brampton Junction

Les Hull

Footpath and Cycleway to Brampton

This was original route for the railway line into Brampton and was closed in 1923.

Les Hull

Carlisle to Newcastle Line west of Brampton

Peter Moore

Brampton Station

Peter Moore

Information board, Miltonrigg Woods

This ancient woodland site, extending across 64ha, is owned by the Woodland Trust Link

. The wood has good access for visitors - there is a car park and over 4.5km of footpaths.

Rose and Trev Clough

Ground flora, Miltonrigg Woods

This is beside a ride, where the canopy is fairly open. Larch predominates in this part of the wood, which is close to the A69. The plants in the foreground, looking like bright green brushes, are wood horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum).

Rose and Trev Clough

View through trees, Miltonrigg Woods

Birch is the dominant tree in this part of the wood. There are some nettles close to the path, further in are moss-covered mounds and clumps of fern.

Rose and Trev Clough

Woodland paths, Miltonrigg

There are about 4.5km of footpaths through Miltonrigg Woods. This waymarked route has been surfaced to provide access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The site is owned and managed by the Woodland Trust Link

Rose and Trev Clough

Pond in Miltonrigg Woods

Taken from the picnic area (Geograph photo here Link ), looking past a small island on the right. The pond was created in 1992, and now provides a habitat for wildlife including amphibians, dragonflies, other invertebrates and specialist plants. It is also visited by ducks and deer. (Information from site owner, the Woodland Trust Link

Rose and Trev Clough

Kirkhouse Farm

From the mid 18th to early 19th centuries, the Earl of Carlisle's coal and mineral operations were managed by successive colliery agents, who lived at this property in Kirkhouse. They were also responsible for running the farm, which provided food for the workers and horses. The last agent became a leaseholder, creating the firm of Thompson & Sons, which carried on until 1908 (information from 'Colliery settlements in east Cumberland', Harris 1974 Link

). The front of the Grade II listed farmhouse can be seen here NY5659 : Kirkhouse Farmhouse .

Rose and Trev Clough

Office Cottage, Kirkhouse

This house with a clock on the wall, built around 1836, was originally the office for the Earl of Carlisle's collieries. Kirkhouse is a quiet hamlet today, compared to the 19th century when there was a busy depot here servicing the coal and mineral industries Link

. The cottage is a listed building - more information at Historic England Link

Rose and Trev Clough

Victorian postbox, Kirkhouse

It is on the farmhouse wall at Kirkhouse Farm.

Rose and Trev Clough

Field walls, Kirkhouse

The near wall, beside the road, is covered in mosses and ferns but there is practically no vegetation on the far wall. At the end of the latter is an unusual little square building, bearing some resemblance to a dovecote.

Rose and Trev Clough

Lowthian Hall, Kirkhouse

There is a stone plaque over the door, inscribed 'LOWTHIAN CHURCH HALL 1928'. This fooled us for a bit into thinking it was a converted building, but since found out the church hall was demolished, and this house built in around 2003.

Rose and Trev Clough