Beacon Hill

Hill, Mountain in Durham

England

Beacon Hill

Hawthorn Dene Bare trees and a carpet of wild garlic on the northern edge of Hawthorn Dene in spring. — Hawthorn Dene Credit: David Robinson

Beacon Hill is a prominent landmark located in Durham, a historic city in County Durham, England. Standing at an impressive height of 260 meters (850 feet) above sea level, it is one of the highest points in the area, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Durham and its surrounding countryside.

Situated to the south of Durham city center, Beacon Hill is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The hill is easily accessible by foot or by car, with a well-maintained footpath leading to the summit. The climb to the top is relatively easy, making it a suitable location for hikers of all levels.

At the peak of Beacon Hill, visitors are rewarded with stunning vistas of Durham Cathedral, the River Wear, and the lush green landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. On clear days, it is said that one can even catch a glimpse of the North York Moors in the distance.

Aside from its natural beauty, Beacon Hill has a rich historical significance. It is believed that the hill was used as a site for a beacon during the Anglo-Saxon and medieval periods, serving as a warning system against potential invaders. The remnants of a beacon tower can still be seen at the summit, adding to the hill's allure and historical charm.

In conclusion, Beacon Hill in Durham is a captivating natural landmark, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region's historical past. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Beacon Hill is a must-visit destination in Durham.

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Beacon Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.80174/-1.3167451 or Grid Reference NZ4445. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hawthorn Dene

Bare trees and a carpet of wild garlic on the northern edge of Hawthorn Dene in spring.

David Robinson

Hawthorn Burn

The burn seen deep in Hawthorn Dene.

David Robinson

Hawthorn Dene Viaduct

The viaduct carries the Durham Coast railway across Hawthorn Dene. Built in 1905 the viaduct is grade II listed. The railway was once very busy with freight traffic, allowing connection to Tyne Dock, Sunderland docks, Seaham harbour, Hartlepool docks, the Durham coalfield's coastal collieries, and Billingham with the associated petrochemical industries on the North side of the Tees. The line still sees a smattering of freight traffic but is primarily the passenger route linking Newcastle to Middlesbrough via Sunderland, Hartlepool and Stockton, with an hourly service.

David Robinson

Hawthorn Burn exiting Hawthorn Dene

Several denes run west - east into the North Sea along the Durham coast. They were formed by meltwaters cutting channels through the limestone ridge that runs down the Durham coast.

David Robinson

Beach Art, Hawthorn Hive

David Robinson

Blast Beach

The name of the beach reflects the use of the location for early furnaces using the local coal, limestone and iron ore. This was overtaken by the growth of the coal industry and the iron & steel industry migrated and grew into the large works associated with the Derwent valley (Consett) and Teesside, both areas with iron ore deposits. The industrial units seen on the headland at the top of the image are on the site of Dawdon colliery, which until the early 1990s tipped its spoil straight onto the beach to be taken on the tide. The Durham coastline has been significantly cleaned up since the end of deep mining, though the demarcation between clean beach and a remaining layer of waste can be seen at the high tide line running down the long axis of the beach.

David Robinson

Easington Miners' Picnic

Mick Garratt

The Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery

Standing on the Durham Heritage Coast in the Spring sunshine the monument is a memorial to the colliery which closed in 1993. See Andrew Curtis's photo for more information NZ4344 : Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery

Graham Hogg

Easington Colliery Timeline

The path to the Pit Cage Monument NZ4344 : The Pit Cage Monument, Easington Colliery is lined with bronze plaques which record significant events in the history of Easington Colliery which opened in 1899 and closed in 1953.

Graham Hogg

Byron Street, Easington Colliery

Two houses displaying individual taste but to the detriment of the street scene

Graham Hogg

Cliff Top View at Fox Holes

Part of the Durham Coast National Nature Reserve.

Des Blenkinsopp

Wild Flowers by the Coast Path

At Fox Holes Dene a stream has cut a deep chine through the cliffs so the coast path has to make a detour of around 1km to cover less than 200m of coastline. It's a pleasant wooded walk though, very different from the clifftop scenery. The flowers look like sweet peas and willow herb.

Des Blenkinsopp

Byron (or Ascot?) Street

The map calls it Byron Street. Other contributors call it Byron Street. But there is definitely a street name sign on the end house calling it Ascot Street. Why would that be? It's a very distinctive terrace anyway.

Des Blenkinsopp

Station Road, Easington Colliery

The main road through the village. The station, like the colliery, is no longer there.

Des Blenkinsopp

Camp Street, Easington Colliery

Terraced housing on the slope down towards the coast.

Des Blenkinsopp

Easington Local Nature Reserve

A landscaped area formerly occupied by a coal mine. One of the mine shafts is in a fenced enclosure beyond the small black notice near the centre of the picture. The panel tells you about the transformation.

Des Blenkinsopp

Signpost to the Coast Path

One of the places where the coast path can be accessed from a parking area. The path is a short walk over a landscaped open space which was previously the site of a coal mine.

Des Blenkinsopp