Blea Barf

Hill, Mountain in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Blea Barf

Tarn Seat Beacon on Tarn Seat with Summer Lodge Tarn beyond. — Tarn Seat Credit: Colin Gregory

Blea Barf is a prominent hill located in the North York Moors National Park, in the county of Yorkshire, England. It is part of the larger North York Moors range and stands at an elevation of approximately 1,300 feet (396 meters). The hill is known for its distinctive conical shape and its commanding presence within the surrounding landscape.

Covered in heather and grasses, Blea Barf offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, visitors can see the rolling hills, moorlands, and picturesque villages that make up the North York Moors. The hill is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with several footpaths leading to its summit.

The name "Blea Barf" is derived from the Old Norse language, with "Blea" meaning "blue" and "Barf" meaning "hill." This name reflects the hill's moody appearance, often shrouded in mist and giving off a bluish hue. The hill is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, such as kestrels and peregrine falcons, as well as grazing sheep and deer.

Blea Barf offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of urban life, with its peaceful surroundings and unspoiled natural beauty. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and breathtaking scenery of the North York Moors, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring this picturesque region of Yorkshire.

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Blea Barf Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.361303/-2.0705851 or Grid Reference SD9596. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tarn Seat

Beacon on Tarn Seat with Summer Lodge Tarn beyond.

Colin Gregory

Satron Tarn

This small tarn lies half a mile west of the much larger Summer Lodge Tarn.

Colin Gregory

Blea Barf

The southern aspect of the hill

Colin Gregory

Summer Lodge

Looking down to Summer Lodge with Scurvy Scar on the right.

Colin Gregory

Weather vane, Strands

The weather vane is to be found on Strands Farmhouse. As long as humans have farmed the land, sailed the seas and contemplated their place in nature, the wind has played a key role in their speculations. It was interpreting the wind's changing direction that helped our ancestors predict the coming weather and survive.

Maigheach-gheal

Limekiln near Gunnerside

In the 18th and 19th centuries, when lime was extensively used on acid clay soil to improve cultivation, lime kilns were widespread. Beehive shaped, with a hole in the top, kilns were usually built on the sides of steep hills and against cliff faces, to make the loading of limestone and coal easier. Alternating layers of limestone and coal were burnt to produce the lime.

Maigheach-gheal

Valley of Summer Lodge Beck

Summer Lodge Beck drains northwards into Swaledale; the hill seen across the valley is Blea Barf.

Trevor Littlewood

Fields and their barns at Gunnerside

Highlighted by fleeting sun.

Karl and Ali

Fields and their barns at Gunnerside

Emerald fields lit by passing shafts of sun.

Karl and Ali

Road to Summer Lodge

The sign says unsuitable to vehicles

Alexander P Kapp

Field lime kiln, Bank Heads

Field lime kiln close by a narrow outcrop of limestone on the southern slopes of Swaledale.

Gordon Hatton

Footpath at Bank Heads

Grinton parish footpath 58 cuts along the hillside at Bank Heads, passing a ruined lime kiln [lower centre picture] by an outcrop of limestone. In the distance is the village of Gunnerside.

Gordon Hatton