Bell's Hill

Hill, Mountain in Durham

England

Bell's Hill

Moorland descending towards Stanhope Burn The area of heather moorland immediately below the camera position is apparently known as Hope Head; a stream groove there and others join to form the Stanhope Burn beyond which lies the sunlit Collier Law. — Moorland descending towards Stanhope Burn Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Bell's Hill is a prominent hill located in Durham, a historic city in northeast England. Rising to an elevation of approximately 142 meters (466 feet), it is considered one of the higher points in the area. The hill is situated within the larger region known as the Durham Dales, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and notable geological features.

Bell's Hill is characterized by its gentle slopes and lush greenery, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby River Wear and the historic cityscape of Durham. On clear days, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the distant North Pennines, adding to the area's visual appeal.

The hill derives its name from the historical association with bells. In the past, it was believed that the ringing of church bells would help ward off evil spirits and protect the local community. As a result, Bell's Hill became a symbolic location for the practice of bell ringing, reinforcing its cultural significance in the region.

Aside from its natural beauty, Bell's Hill also holds archaeological importance. It is known to have remnants of ancient settlements, including evidence of Iron Age occupation. These discoveries have contributed to our understanding of the area's rich history and the lives of its early inhabitants.

Overall, Bell's Hill stands as a captivating landmark in Durham, offering both scenic beauty and a glimpse into the region's cultural and historical heritage.

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Bell's Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.794701/-2.0504688 or Grid Reference NY9644. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Moorland descending towards Stanhope Burn

The area of heather moorland immediately below the camera position is apparently known as Hope Head; a stream groove there and others join to form the Stanhope Burn beyond which lies the sunlit Collier Law.

Trevor Littlewood

Heather slope descending towards fields

The fields surround the farm at Steward Shield Meadow; they in turn are surrounded by heather moorland. The image was recorded from the route of a high level railway close to the access road for the farm.

Trevor Littlewood

Road at Dead Friar's bank

Clive Nicholson

Edmondbyers Common from Dead Friar's

Clive Nicholson

View from Horseshoe Hill Triangulation Pillar

Looking south-eastward.

Peter Wood

Moorland slope descending from Meadows Edge

A minor road runs along Meadows Edge below Horseshoe Hill. The slope descends to the valley of the Stanhope Burn where heather burning is on-going.

Trevor Littlewood

Muggleswick Mast

Muggleswick Mast, part of BT's microwave 'backbone'. This photograph taken in the 1980's. The mast and buildings were demolished in the 1990's. See also NY9844 : Muggleswick Mast.

Peter McDermott

Muggleswick Mast

Muggleswick Mast, part of BT's microwave 'backbone'. This photograph taken in the 1980's. The mast and buildings were demolished in the 1990's. See also NY9844 : Muggleswick Mast.

Peter McDermott

Eastern slope of Long Law

The slope is descending into the drainage regime of the Stanhope Burn. The flat-topped moorland on the central skyline is Horseshoe Hill.

Trevor Littlewood

Band of rushes on heather moor

The rushes are on or just north of Bell's Hill which is on a slope above the Stanhope Burn. Collier Law is the distant hill.

Trevor Littlewood

Shooting hut on Stanhope Common (3)

The shooting hut, (shooting box as described on OS maps), with the moorlands surrounding Smiddy Burn and Stanhope Burn beyond.

Trevor Littlewood

Snowed moorland adjacent to estate road

The moorland and road are above the valley of the Stanhope Burn; the road is heading towards a remote shooting hut which lies some way behind the camera position. The old railway van will have been used as a store when it was intact. The notice tells of restrictions on public access to access land.

Trevor Littlewood

Sheepfold close to old rail route

The sheepfold is beside the old rail bed of the Rookhope and Middlehope Railway. The distant moorland hills are Horseshoe Hill and Collier Law.

Trevor Littlewood

Curious piece of concrete beside aerial access road

This is close to the summit of Horseshoe Hill; the road gives access to the aerial. The rough concrete block close to the camera position has all the appearance of an OS trig point except for the usual metal-work: the size and square, tapering cross section are a near-perfect match. The concrete is very rough and must have been eroded by weather or by mistreatment. The photographer has been on the hill on many occasions and has never noticed this feature before. It was wondered whether the hill's own pillar had been removed and dumped, but certainly not - it's still in place and intact.

Trevor Littlewood

Farmhouse at Steward Shield Meadow

Steward Shield Meadow is a farm on the southern side of Horseshoe Hill, its enclosed land is bounded on three sides by moorland and to the south by the Stanhope Burn. It will also have grazing land on the surrounding moorland.

Trevor Littlewood