Firtree Hill

Hill, Mountain in Durham

England

Firtree Hill

Temple of Minerva One of the many follies in Hardwick Hall Country Park — Temple of Minerva Credit: Kevin Waterhouse

Firtree Hill, located in Durham, is a prominent hill that stands at an elevation of approximately 358 meters (1,175 feet) above sea level. Situated in the northern part of England, the hill forms part of the Pennines, a range of mountains and hills that extend across several counties. Firtree Hill is known for its breathtaking views and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The hill is predominantly covered with dense vegetation, including a variety of fir trees, from which it derives its name. The trees provide a picturesque backdrop, especially during the spring and summer months when they are in full bloom. The area surrounding Firtree Hill is also home to an array of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various bird species, making it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

Firtree Hill offers several walking trails that cater to all levels of fitness and ability. These trails meander through the hill's rugged terrain, offering visitors an opportunity to explore its natural beauty. On a clear day, the hill provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with the city of Durham visible in the distance.

The hill's location, just a short distance from Durham city center, makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Firtree Hill provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature's splendor.

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Firtree Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.646571/-1.4807771 or Grid Reference NZ3328. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Temple of Minerva

One of the many follies in Hardwick Hall Country Park

Kevin Waterhouse

The Gothic Seat

One of the many follies in Hardwick Hall Country Park

Kevin Waterhouse

Sedgefield, Spring Lane

According to the OS benchmark database this gap has been a field entrance with stone gateposts. One gatepost had a benchmark. There are no gateposts in the location today.

Mel Towler

Hardwick Country Park Lake

With Hardwick Hall Hotel beyond

Kevin Waterhouse

Reconstructed Bono Retiro

One of the many follies at Hardwick Country Park recovered

Kevin Waterhouse

Trailer in field corner

Despite appearing to be in reasonable condition the vehicle has probably been abandoned - its wooden bed has virtually decomposed. It's in a field corner west of the farm at Mordon Moor and is close to the route of a public footpath.

Trevor Littlewood

Route of public footpath across large field

The path enters the field via a stile to the left of the distant farmhouse and makes its way in an almost direct line towards the camera location. There's not a trace of the path on the ground despite the requirement that reinstatement be made after any field operations have been carried out. The path route passes the corner of the trees in the image.

Trevor Littlewood

Fence and shed alongside Peter's Lane

Peter's Lane is a bridleway running away from the village at Mordon through two farms. The start of it past Village Farm is impassable on foot and so impossible for a horse. It was accessed via Harpington Hill, the way through and past the buildings there being a torment of mud (fortunately frozen), rubble and abandoned farm equipment. Here, at the edge of grid square NZ3426 heading away from the farms the going was simply awkward due to frozen ground pitted by animals' hooves.

Trevor Littlewood

Bridleway of Peter's Lane

At last a waymark, there's one on a post left of the gate! Peter's Lane is a bridleway running away from the village at Mordon through two farms. The start of it past Village Farm is impassable on foot and so impossible for a horse. It was accessed via Harpington Hill, the way through and past the buildings there being a torment of mud, rubble and abandoned farm equipment. Here, beyond the farm the waymark confirms the route and the only problem on the day was frozen mud.

Trevor Littlewood

Deeply furrowed field

A ploughed field with its furrows frozen into place, with thin mistiness in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Ice along farm road

Ice lids for pools, many with the water gone from beneath them with the residues of snow or frost along the farm road north from the eastern end of Mordon village.

Trevor Littlewood

Minor road entering Mordon from the east

As the road signs announces, Mordon lies ahead. The blue and yellow style of the sign is one found frequently in County Durham; this one incorporates the village name into the speed limit sign as is often the case.

Trevor Littlewood

Peter's Lane... the route of a public bridleway!

The walker is on the route known as Peter's Lane. The start of it is alongside farm buildings at the eastern end of the village of Mordon - it's entirely inaccessible there, on foot, never mind with a horse! Access to it had to be gained by the road approaching the farm at Harpington Hill then, once on the lane, by a passage among farm buildings, mud, rubble and abandoned farm equipment. Beyond all that is the tract of ground ahead in the image which was made passable on the day only as the mud, ruts and pools were largely frozen!

Trevor Littlewood