Slaggy Hill

Hill, Mountain in Northumberland

England

Slaggy Hill

Sheep graze above Embley West of Slaley Forest, moorland drops down to farmland and pasture dominates. The bridleway from Embley just touches the edge of this gridsquare, offering an uninspiring view across the grazing towards the forest. — Sheep graze above Embley Credit: Andy Waddington

Slaggy Hill is a prominent landmark located in the county of Northumberland, England. Situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is known for its distinctive geological features and stunning natural beauty. Rising to an elevation of approximately 535 meters (1,755 feet), Slaggy Hill is classified as a hill rather than a mountain due to its height.

The hill is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, with large outcrops of ancient volcanic rock scattered across its slopes. These rocks, which give the hill its name, are composed of slag, a byproduct of the area's historical lead mining industry. The slag rocks are rich in minerals and create a unique and eerie landscape that is both captivating and somewhat desolate.

Slaggy Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, providing visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the unspoiled beauty of Northumberland. On a clear day, it is possible to see for miles, with rolling hills, moorlands, and picturesque valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.

The hill is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers, who are drawn to its wild and untamed allure. Several walking trails lead to the summit, allowing visitors to explore the hill's diverse flora and fauna along the way. It is not uncommon to encounter various bird species, such as curlews and golden plovers, as well as grazing sheep and wild ponies.

Slaggy Hill truly encapsulates the rugged charm of Northumberland's landscape, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for those who venture to its summit.

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Slaggy Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.901747/-2.0947815 or Grid Reference NY9456. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sheep graze above Embley

West of Slaley Forest, moorland drops down to farmland and pasture dominates. The bridleway from Embley just touches the edge of this gridsquare, offering an uninspiring view across the grazing towards the forest.

Andy Waddington

Byway into Slaley Forest

Slaley forest and the surrounding moors seem to be home to an unusual density of both bridleways and byways. Southeast of Viewley on the edge of the plantations, is a crossroads of byways, though the one heading to the south behind the photographer is limited to only two-wheeled motor vehicles, and even then, only in the drier summer months. To the north, the planting is now mature, and not the usual densely packed Sitka Spruce, but more widely spaced pines which certainly provide more opportunities for native wildlife as well as being of far greater amenity value for those who prefer open forest.

Andy Waddington

Forest track branches off byway, Slaley Forest

The forest track to the left is guarded by a closed barrier to deter those who use the byway from straying where they are not permitted. Whilst signage implies a significant overuse of the byways by motor traffic, some of them shown on the map seem to have been erased entirely on the ground. The ones that still exist seem sufficiently straight that there can be little scope for noisy rally driving, but no doubt provide sport for mindless boy racers who think it fun to go very fast in a straight line. Signs advise calling Northumbria Police if you see bad behaviour taking place, but don't bother to mention where one might find a phone box to do so.

Andy Waddington

Forest track in Slaley Forest

A byway is shown on maps running roughly east-west for a kilometre and a half in this area of Slaley Forest, but on the ground, the line it supposedly takes is just densely planted forest. Instead, one is obliged to take a longer route via a number of SW-NE and SE-NW forest tracks such as this one, which are not rights of way of any description (though the bulk of the forest is CROW Access Land).

Andy Waddington

Floral bicycle in a garden at Whitley Chapel

Oliver Dixon

Irish bridge, Devil's Water

This Irish bridge (culverted ford) takes the road over Devil's Water, near Renny's Barn. Will acquire proper ford status after heavy rainfall.

Andrew Smith

Ford, Devil's Water, Rawgreen

There are two fords in quick succession on this rough lane. This is the deeper one, through Devil's Water.

Andrew Smith

Mire House near Whitley Chapel

Les Hull

Old School and School House, Whitley Chapel

Les Hull

Dukesfield Smelt Mill, Hexhamshire

An old smelt mill stood to the southwest of Dukesfield Mill bridge. It was built in the late 18th century. The ore came from the lead mines owned by Beaumont family in Allendale. The site was demolished in 1836, and now there is nothing to be seen here apart from the gothic arches of the flue.

Les Hull

Redlead Mill, near Whitley Chapel

Brian Norman

Crossroads near Slaley

Les Hull

Road through Slaley Forest

This road is a cul-de-sac and leads to a caravan site and quarry.

Les Hull

Viewley Farm

Les Hull

Fell Plantation

Les Hull

Moss House, Whitley Chapel

Moss House is at the end of a track which leaves the road near the church at Whitley Chapel. Not to be confused with nearby Mire House which is adjacent to the road south of the church.

Brian Norman