West Dun Hill

Hill, Mountain in Northumberland

England

West Dun Hill

Moorland, Knaresdale Credit: Andrew Smith

West Dun Hill is a prominent natural feature located in the county of Northumberland, England. It is classified as a hill, with an elevation of approximately 269 meters (883 feet) above sea level. The hill is situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which further highlights its scenic and environmental significance.

West Dun Hill is characterized by its rolling terrain, covered in lush greenery and heather. It offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby village of Blanchland and the Derwent Reservoir. The hill's location at the edge of the North Pennines also provides a clear vantage point for observing the vast expanse of the Northumberland National Park to the west.

The hill is of geological interest, displaying evidence of its volcanic origins. It is composed primarily of Whin Sill, a type of igneous rock formed by the solidification of magma. This geological composition contributes to the distinctiveness of the landscape and adds to its appeal for both nature enthusiasts and geology enthusiasts alike.

West Dun Hill is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and nature walks, offering a range of trails that cater to different fitness levels. Its location within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ensures the preservation and protection of the hill's natural environment, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.

In conclusion, West Dun Hill in Northumberland is a picturesque and geologically significant hill that offers breathtaking views, recreational opportunities, and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the North Pennines region.

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West Dun Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.86401/-2.5788001 or Grid Reference NY6252. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Moorland, Knaresdale

Andrew Smith

Moorland, Castle Carrock

Andrew Smith

Moorland, Knaresdale

Andrew Smith

Moorland, Knaresdale

Andrew Smith

Money Currick and moorland, Knaresdale

Moorland, Knaresdale

Moorland, Knaresdale

Moorland, Knaresdale

Plastic matting of hill road crossing moorland

An estate road climbs out of Knars Dale bypassing the rounded dome of Black Fell in the middle distance; it continues to end at the shooting hut which is right of centre. From there its nature changes; the route continues as the plastic matting seen wandering over the nearer moorland. The route followed by the matting is shown approximately on OS maps at the 1:25 000 scale but the two do not coincide exactly.

Trevor Littlewood

Shooting hut near Mardy's Cleugh

An estate road climbs out of Knars Dale bypassing the dome of Black Fell; it continues to end at the shooting hut in the image. From there its nature changes; the route continues as the plastic matting seen branching away to the left, crossing some large timbers. OS mapping at the 1:25 000 scale displays faithfully the route followed by the road as far as the hut but the matting way beyond is shown only approximately.

Trevor Littlewood

Black Hill with estate road

The road bypasses the highest point of Black Hill on its way to a shooting hut. The stretch of water is presumably just a flooded ditch. The trap on a pole over the ditch is of a recently introduced design as the older fenn trap was banned in April 2020.

Trevor Littlewood

Meeting of fences on West Dun Hill

West Dun Hill has little identity of its own being just a slight rise of moorland on the way to Little Blacklaw Hill and Great Blacklaw Hill beyond it. OS mapping at 1:25 000 shows two hill roads in the vicinity but there's little continuous trace on the ground of either.

Trevor Littlewood