Balmer Hill

Hill, Mountain in Durham

England

Balmer Hill

Gainford War Memorial and Church Gainford War Memorial and St Mary&#039;s Church.

St Mary&#039;s consists of a nave, aisles, chancels and a square west tower that is open to the nave and supported by pointed arches, similar to the ones, resting on cylindrical pillars that separate the nave and aisles. This graceful arch is repeated in the opening to the chancel and in the three lancet stained glass windows at the east end.

During much need repairs in 1864, a number of pre-Conquest sculptured stones were found and placed under cover. Several fragments of fine Saxon crosses are also preserved, some of which are beautifully carved. Among the collection of ancient stones there is a Roman altar. Various grave covers, and other stones of later date, are built into the walls of the north porch.

The 13th century font has a tall wooden Jacobean style cover, and there are three medieval brasses in the chancel. — Gainford War Memorial and Church Credit: Colin Kinnear

Balmer Hill is a prominent geographical feature located in Durham, a county in the northeast of England. It is classified as a hill or mountain, depending on one's perspective, as its elevation reaches a peak of approximately 266 meters (873 feet) above sea level. The hill is situated near the village of Witton Gilbert, about 4 miles northwest of Durham city center.

Balmer Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the picturesque River Wear valley. Its prominent position provides an excellent vantage point for observing the natural beauty of the region, with rolling hills, lush green fields, and wooded areas stretching as far as the eye can see.

The hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting hikers, walkers, and nature lovers. It is crisscrossed by a network of footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore the area and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. The terrain is varied, ranging from gentle slopes to steeper inclines, providing a range of difficulty levels for different abilities.

The summit of Balmer Hill features a trig point, a pillar-like structure used in surveying, which adds a point of interest for those reaching the top. The hill is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, making it an important site for wildlife conservation.

Overall, Balmer Hill is a natural gem in Durham, offering breathtaking views, recreational opportunities, and a chance to connect with nature in a peaceful and serene environment. Whether for leisurely walks, challenging hikes, or simply enjoying the beauty of the landscape, Balmer Hill is a must-visit destination for those exploring the Durham area.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Balmer Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.550368/-1.7414941 or Grid Reference NZ1617. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gainford War Memorial and Church

Gainford War Memorial and St Mary's Church. St Mary's consists of a nave, aisles, chancels and a square west tower that is open to the nave and supported by pointed arches, similar to the ones, resting on cylindrical pillars that separate the nave and aisles. This graceful arch is repeated in the opening to the chancel and in the three lancet stained glass windows at the east end. During much need repairs in 1864, a number of pre-Conquest sculptured stones were found and placed under cover. Several fragments of fine Saxon crosses are also preserved, some of which are beautifully carved. Among the collection of ancient stones there is a Roman altar. Various grave covers, and other stones of later date, are built into the walls of the north porch. The 13th century font has a tall wooden Jacobean style cover, and there are three medieval brasses in the chancel.

Colin Kinnear

Prominent tree in field of grain

The field which probably has a crop of barley, lies to the west of a road junction on Ford Dike Lane. The road sign at the junction is an old one, cast in iron.

Trevor Littlewood

Grassy slope above Low Green and Low Road

There are several areas of green in Gainford. The main village green is behind the camera position; Low Green is to the right of the nearer iron bollards. Low Road passes through the centre of the image.

Trevor Littlewood

North Lane entering Gainford

Many towns and villages in County Durham have their roadside name signs in a yellow text on a blue background; occasionally, as here, the name is incorporated into the speed limit signing.

Trevor Littlewood

River Tees flowing downstream near Gainford

The Tees, west of Gainford from just below the path used as the route of the Teesdale Way.

Trevor Littlewood

Gravestones on north side of church

Monuments on the north side of St. Mary's Church in Gainford.

Trevor Littlewood

Wheel lanes through barley crop

The lines created by the passage of a tractor, presumably for cultivation purposes, through ripening barley in a field north-east of Gainford.

Trevor Littlewood

Two barns between fields

The barns which are alongside a lane, viewed across a field with what is presumably a crop awaiting harvest.

Trevor Littlewood

River Tees flowing beneath West Tees Bridge

The bridge carried the branch of the North Eastern Railway connecting Darlington to Barnard Castle. The structure appears to be intact and is passed by the long distance footpath, Teesdale Way. There's no official access to the bridge and there's a metal palisade fence at each end, but individual pieces have been removed.

Trevor Littlewood

Curving road on south side of River Tees

The road is also a public footpath which in places passes through grassed fields where it's just a fairly thin trace; that contrasts with the north side path which is well walked and is the route of the Teesdale Way.

Trevor Littlewood

Former railway route over West Tees Bridge

The bridge carried the branch of the North Eastern Railway connecting Darlington to Barnard Castle. The railway company had to cross the River Tees twice near to Gainford in order to avoid passing through Selaby Park on the river's north side. The bridge is fenced off at both the north and south ends but it's possible to get past those barriers as sections are missing.

Trevor Littlewood

River Tees upstream from old railway bridge

The image was recorded from the West Tees Bridge which carried the branch of the North Eastern Railway connecting Darlington with Barnard Castle. The railway company had to construct two bridges over the Tees near to Gainford in order to avoid passing through Selaby Park on the river's north side. The bridge is fenced off at both its north and south ends but it's possible to get past those barriers as sections are missing.

Trevor Littlewood

Not so old Boundary Marker on the A67 between Winston and Gainford

The Winston marker is at the west end and the Gainford marker is at the east end of the parapet of the Alwent Beck bridge on the south side of the A67. In Winston parish and inscribed WINSTON vertically. A list of the boundary markers can be found here Link

. Read "Marking Parish Boundaries Along the Teesdale Way" ISBN 0 9520624 2 9. Milestone Society National ID: DU_TEES01pb

Mike Rayner

Not so old Boundary Marker on the A67 between Winston and Gainford

The Winston marker is at the east end and the Gainford marker is at the east end of the parapet of the Alwent Beck bridge on the south side of the A67. In Gainford parish and inscribed GAINFORD vertically. A list of the boundary markers can be found here Link

. Read "Marking Parish Boundaries Along the Teesdale Way" ISBN 0 9520624 2 9. Milestone Society National ID: DU_TEES01pb

Mike Rayner

Gainford, Boat Lane

According to the OS benchmark database there is a concrete gatepost with a benchmark on the left of the entrance to Low Fields. There is no visible gatepost, and the hedge is so thick I was unable to determine if the gatepost may still be present.

Mel Towler

Gainford, Boat Lane

The pivot benchmark is cut into a large stone on the west side of Boat Lane.

Mel Towler

Gainford, Boat Lane

There is a pivot benchmark cut into a large stone on the west side of Boat Lane. Boat Lane is on the south side of the River Tees, and in the background is Gainford, on the north side of the River Tees.

Mel Towler

Gainford, Boat Lane

The benchmark is cut into a large stone on the lowest course of a drystone wall on the west side of the lane, as approaching the south bank of the River Tees.

Mel Towler

Show me another place!

Balmer Hill is located at Grid Ref: NZ1617 (Lat: 54.550368, Lng: -1.7414941)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham