Bracken Hill

Hill, Mountain in Durham

England

Bracken Hill

Disused Durham and Sunderland Railway now a Cycle Route This old trackbed is now part National Cycle Route 1. — Disused Durham and Sunderland Railway now a Cycle Route Credit: Clive Nicholson

Bracken Hill is a prominent hill located in Durham, England. Situated in the northern part of the county, it forms part of the larger Pennines range. The hill is approximately 422 meters (1,385 feet) high, making it one of the highest points in the Durham region.

Bracken Hill is renowned for its picturesque views and diverse wildlife. The hill is covered with an abundance of bracken ferns, which give it its distinctive name. These ferns create a lush and green landscape, especially during the summer months. The hill is also home to various species of birds, including kestrels, buzzards, and pheasants, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.

The hill offers several walking trails and hiking routes, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The paths are well-maintained, allowing visitors to explore the hill's stunning surroundings while enjoying breathtaking vistas of the Durham countryside. On clear days, the panoramic view from the summit extends as far as the North Sea, providing a spectacular sight.

Bracken Hill is easily accessible, with a parking area at its base and a network of footpaths leading to the top. The hill is also a great spot for a picnic, with designated areas offering benches and tables.

In summary, Bracken Hill is a beautiful and scenic hill located in Durham, England. With its stunning views, rich wildlife, and well-maintained trails, it provides an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking outdoor activities in the Durham region.

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Bracken Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.819756/-1.4312015 or Grid Reference NZ3647. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Disused Durham and Sunderland Railway now a Cycle Route

This old trackbed is now part National Cycle Route 1.

Clive Nicholson

Snippers Gate Farm, Salters Lane

Snippers Gate Farm photographed on 14th February 1974 by Fred Soakell. South Hetton Colliery pit head can be seen in the background on the left. The road in the foreground is Salters Lane which leads to Haswell village

Fred Soakell

Slingley Hill

View from the railway trackbed.

Richard Webb

Durham and Sunderland Railway trackbed

Approaching Murton Junction after the haul up from Ryhope.

Richard Webb

Wheat, Murton

Richard Webb

Old road, Murton

Probably an access route to Murton Station which was a junction on the Durham and Sunderland Railway.

Richard Webb

Hawthorn/Ryehope Way

Passing Murton.

Richard Webb

Murton

View from the Hawthorn/Ryhope path (Sunderland and Durham Railway trackbed).

Richard Webb

Hawthorn/Ryehope Way

One of the converted railways from the coal mining era which allows a road free crossing of Co. Durham from Sunderland to Stockton. Here it is crossing Murton Moor after a climb up from Ryhope.

Richard Webb

Murton Moor

Farmland near South Hetton.

Richard Webb

Wind Turbines

Wind Turbines at Great Eppleton

Gary Fellows

Murton railway station (site), County Durham

Opened in or shortly after 1837 (early railway records can be murky!) by the Durham & Sunderland Railway, later part of the North Eastern Railway, on the lines from Sunderland to Stockton and Durham, this was where the line divided. The station closed in 1953. View south along the track-bed, with Stockton straight on (2 platforms) and Durham (Shincliffe) having just one platform curving sharply to the right. No trace apparently remains, with the track-bed in the foreground having been covered over to rise up towards the former Murton Bridge, just behind the camera position. It is now a public footpath. In the early days of railways, two stationary steam winding engines were located here to pull trains by chain up the steep gradients. They were later replaced by more powerful steam locomotives. The last coal trains used the track in 1993, after which it was removed.

Nigel Thompson

Houses on Lyons Avenue

Lyons Avenue is in the Lyons district of Hetton-Le-Hole; the nameplate on the corner house has the name 'The Lyons'. There's a blue plaque erected by Tyne & Wear County Council, (disbanded in 1986), on that corner house relating to George Stephenson and his brother Robert, who lived in a cottage in the row.

Trevor Littlewood

Roughly vegetated ground

The small enclosure is on the south side of the B1285 at the edge of Hetton-Le-Hole. The building could well be in use as a stable - there are horses in the area.

Trevor Littlewood

Stephenson Lake

The lake is one of a number at Hetton Lyons Country Park on the outskirts of Hetton-Le-Hole.

Trevor Littlewood

Garden with memorials in Hetton-Le-Hole

The small garden area is largely tarmacked with trees and shrubs around the periphery. The central memorial is a general one to people of the district who have died as a result of war; there are no names and it's not a military monument. (There is a conventional war memorial in the town, it's in the club garden of the Hetton-le-Hole Working Men's Club & Institute.) The other memorial is left of centre in the image; it's to Bob Paisley, born in the town and manager of Liverpool FC. for nine seasons.

Trevor Littlewood