Black Hill

Hill, Mountain in Durham

England

Black Hill

Mountain bikers' bridleway, Hamsterley Forest As a public bridleway, the right of way considerably predates Hamsterley Forest&#039;s encouragement of mountain biking, and was probably used both in ascent and descent. Walkers (and dogs) still use it in ascent, but I think mountain bikers probably only descend - it would be fit cyclist to take this on uphill, even with a softy E-bike ! Fortunately, on a fairly dreich Monday almost at winter solstice, we didn&#039;t meet any bikes hurtling down. You wouldn&#039;t catch me cycling down this with my ancient rigid-frame mountain bike, but the next generation have cheating technology like suspension to make it not only survivable, but apparently fun and they tend to go quite fast (I always fear being run into from behind when I&#039;m enjoying a nice long slow descent of one of the easier tracks). — Mountain bikers' bridleway, Hamsterley Forest Credit: Andy Waddington

Black Hill is a prominent and well-known hill located in the county of Durham, England. Standing at an elevation of 232 meters (761 feet), it is part of the Pennines, a range of hills and mountains that stretches across northern England. Situated near the village of Ireshopeburn, Black Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The hill is characterized by its distinctive dark-colored vegetation, which gives it its name. The area is covered in heather and grasses, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere. Black Hill is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, rabbits, and moorland insects.

The hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is a favorite spot for hikers, who can explore the numerous walking trails that crisscross the area. The ascent to the summit is relatively easy, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels. At the top, visitors are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Durham Dales and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Black Hill is also steeped in history, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and ancient burial mounds found in the vicinity. Additionally, remnants of lead mining activities from the 18th and 19th centuries can still be seen in the form of old mine shafts and spoil heaps.

Overall, Black Hill in Durham offers a unique and captivating outdoor experience, combining natural beauty with rich history. Whether it's for a leisurely walk, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the landscape, Black Hill is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

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Black Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.66906/-1.947949 or Grid Reference NZ0330. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mountain bikers' bridleway, Hamsterley Forest

As a public bridleway, the right of way considerably predates Hamsterley Forest's encouragement of mountain biking, and was probably used both in ascent and descent. Walkers (and dogs) still use it in ascent, but I think mountain bikers probably only descend - it would be fit cyclist to take this on uphill, even with a softy E-bike ! Fortunately, on a fairly dreich Monday almost at winter solstice, we didn't meet any bikes hurtling down. You wouldn't catch me cycling down this with my ancient rigid-frame mountain bike, but the next generation have cheating technology like suspension to make it not only survivable, but apparently fun and they tend to go quite fast (I always fear being run into from behind when I'm enjoying a nice long slow descent of one of the easier tracks).

Andy Waddington

Bridleway descending into valley of Euden Beck

From the image the path could be thought to be level but it's certainly descending. The stretch of bridleway here is in good condition but lower down it crosses a forest road; below that road on the way down to the stream, it's noticeably eroded due to (legitimate) use by mountain bikers.

Trevor Littlewood

Viewpoint in Hamsterley Forest

Bench set in commanding position at the top of a cleared slope leading down to the valley of the Euden Beck in Hamsterley Forest.

Oliver Dixon

The Euden Beck valley

The Euden Beck runs the length of the upper part of Hamsterley Forest. Birch and other broadleaf trees occupy the valley floor, larches on the hillside beyond.

Oliver Dixon

Clear-felled hillside in Hamsterley Forest

In the valley of the Euden Beck.

Oliver Dixon

Forestry road in Hamsterley Forest

In the valley of the Euden Beck. The hillside is planted with a mixture of evergreen conifers and deciduous larches.

Oliver Dixon

Forest road in Hamsterley Forest

In the valley of the Euden Beck.

Oliver Dixon

Bridleway in Hamsterley Forest

Often, the existence of public rights of way through forestry plantations has been ignored and they've become overgrown and unusable; not so with this bridleway which here descends towards the valley of the Euden Beck from the vicinity of Black Hill on the northern edge of Hamsterley Forest.

Trevor Littlewood

Junction of bridleway and forest road in Hamsterley Forest

The bridleway/road junction is in the valley of the Euden Beck with the view being westwards.

Trevor Littlewood

Valley of Euden Beck

Hamsterley Forest covers a large area of land drained by two main streams, the Euden and Spurlswood Becks; this is the valley of the Euden Beck which drains the northern half of the forest. The view is down-valley from beside a forestry road.

Trevor Littlewood

Forestry road in Hamsterley Forest

This road is in the valley of the Euden Beck; the view is eastwards.

Trevor Littlewood

A fast descent in Hamsterley Forest

Hamsterley forest is regularly filled with competent and enthusiastic mountain bikers using the graded trails (from blue to black, many of the higher grades looking both difficult and muddy), so your photographer (in riding jodpurs and canoeing helmet complete with two GoPro cameras and with dog in attendance) didn't quite look the part. However, having been riding here years before the sport became popular, we soon found our way off the marked trails (or maybe we just missed one of the rather inconspicuous signs) and away from the crowds. Once we'd visited the highest point in the forest (much whingeing from the youngest member of the team), we were riding back towards civilisation, using this track, well covered in a layer of slippery larch needles, which are great for dog paws (no sharp rocks) but not so reassuring for out-of-practice riders. Heading East North East, a short ascent (maybe 25m height gain) had brought us to this point where a brief stop allowed everyone to regroup before heading off down what proved to be the fastest descent of the day, for a kilometre or so - the gentle gradient being enough to get speed up, but not so steep as to enforce caution. Then we on mountain bikes had to wait again for some time - the dog has no wheels and can't manage 30 mph !

Andy Waddington

About to descend from Neighbour Moor

No longer moorland, this has been part of Hamsterley Forest for a long time. From this junction, the track we had chosen to ride (not one of the many trails marked out for mountain biking since the sport became very popular) sets off gently enough but then drops very steeply (with plenty of slippery larch needles to make it a tad intimidating) down to Cloudlam Beck.

Andy Waddington

Quarry in Hamsterley Forest

The quarry is on the north side of a forestry road on the southern slope of Black Hill. It appears to be active, or to have been active, recently.

Trevor Littlewood

Hamsterley Forest in Winter

This view is looking South from the Forestry road that leads from the Grove to Eggleston Common. At this point there has been a lot of tree clearance.

Uncredited

Neighbour Moor : Hamsterly Forest

The remains of Neighbour Moor House, can be seen to the right of the only tree standing, and has recently been uncovered by logging work. Acton Beck runs below the Farmhouse

Hugh Mortimer