Birky Cleugh

Valley in Cumberland Carlisle

England

Birky Cleugh

A track on Grey Hill A rough track linking Crossgreens with the Spadeadam Forest.

This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21. — A track on Grey Hill Credit: James T M Towill

Birky Cleugh, located in the picturesque Cumberland Valley in England, is a small village that offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, this quaint village is a hidden gem for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

The village is characterized by its charming stone cottages and traditional architecture, which add to its rustic appeal. The surrounding countryside provides an abundance of walking trails, making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the highlights of Birky Cleugh is the Cleugh River, which meanders through the village, offering scenic views and a peaceful ambiance.

Although small in size, Birky Cleugh boasts a close-knit community that takes pride in its rich history and traditions. The village is home to a handful of local amenities, including a cozy village pub that serves traditional English fare and a community center that hosts various events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community spirit.

The Cumberland Valley itself is renowned for its natural beauty, with stunning landscapes that attract visitors from far and wide. The valley offers a range of outdoor activities, such as fishing, bird-watching, and cycling, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

In conclusion, Birky Cleugh, Cumberland Valley, is a charming village that captivates visitors with its idyllic setting and warm community spirit. Whether it's exploring the picturesque countryside or immersing oneself in the village's rich history, Birky Cleugh offers a perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful and authentic English experience.

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Birky Cleugh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.07135/-2.6434921 or Grid Reference NY5975. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A track on Grey Hill

A rough track linking Crossgreens with the Spadeadam Forest. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

Black Preston in view

The end point of a short Cumbrian walk is in view. Spadeadam Forest can be noted in the distance. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

Bewcastle Hammer on Black Preston

'Bewcastle Hammer' is the name given by another Geograph contributor to this installation on Black Preston. Retreating valley fog can be noted in the distance. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

Herdwick sheep on Black Preston

All manner of noises were used to get this part of a flock of Herdwick sheep to look at the camera: mixed results in the end! This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

White Preston from Black Preston

Rather bleak grazing moorland punctuated by a couple of minor summits. White Preston features some communications infrastructure for RAF Spadeadam. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

Millennium Cairn on Black Preston

Erected by a local farmer to commemorate his family's link to this land. A beautiful view of this corner of Cumbria can be obtained after the short climb from the nearby track. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020/21.

James T M Towill

Side Fell towards Spadeadam

Andrew Curtis

Pond on Green's Burn

Andrew Curtis

Moorland near Gilbert's Hill

Andrew Curtis

Crags near Barron's Pike

Andrew Curtis

Large boulder at Barron's Pike

Runic inscriptions were described on rock faces on Hazelgill Crag and Barron's Pike and the locations are still shown on modern maps. They were supposed to have been discovered by a shepherd, in 1872 and 1864 respectively. They were revealed in 1929 to be forgeries of the mid-19th century. On Barron's Pike at grid reference NY59647508, close to the location shown here, there are said to be four rows of runic characters carved on the west face of a massive outcrop boulder. However, I could see nothing clearly resembling artificial markings on any of the faces of this large boulder, or on other smaller rocks in the vicinity. The west face of the boulder NY5975 : Is this the inscribed rock at Barron's Pike?, just below a major horizontal crack, does appear to be naturally 'ruled' into four equal lines, although if this location is correct, the runes themselves have disappeared, possibly through weathering. Pastscape Monument No. 12868: Link

Archive Link

The Runes of Bewcastle: Link

Andrew Curtis

Is this the inscribed rock at Barron's Pike?

I am wondering if the (fake) runic inscription recorded on at the west face of a massive boulder at Barron's Pike could have been on the boulder shown in the centre of this photo. Four lines of runic script were described and could have been on the part of the flat surface directly below the horizontal crack. However, I could see no evidence of inscribed lines which may have been eroded away although might be detectable in ideal light conditions or by rubbing. See description here NY5975 : Large boulder at Barron's Pike Update from January 2018: An email correspondent from the Bewcastle area recently sent me a very fine photo showing the boulder and the runic inscriptions. From their photo it is apparent that the carved boulder is not the one shown here in the foreground but that just to its right along the slope, with the pointed top. The inscriptions are on the surface, in deep shadow in my photo, just below the point. The Runes of Bewcastle: Link

Andrew Curtis

Side Fell west of Barron's Pike

The wall running down the slope separates heather moorland (left) from a recently clear-felled forest plantation (right). The location is close to the Roman Signal Station on Barron's Pike, close to the forest on the right side of the wall just above the photographer. It was built to have a view down to the Roman Fort in Bewcastle.

Andrew Curtis

Barron's Pike

View towards Spadeadam.

Andrew Curtis

Earthworks at Barron's Pike

Earthwork remains now considered to be of a Roman Signal Station although previously described as a ditched bowl barrow (tumulus). In 1989, a section was cut across the ditch which was shown to be cut through rock and of a typical V-shaped Roman military plan, 2.70m wide by 1.10m deep. The ditch is crossed by a turf-covered causeway, 2.0m wide, situated on the west side and visible in the foreground of this photo. The enclosure is of oval to sub-rectangular shape, about 17m by 12m, and surrounds a flat earthen platform. Pastscape: Link

Archive Link

Andrew Curtis

Warning notice by track into Spadeadam

A second notice has been added to the 'Prohibited Place' sign NY5975 : Track entering RAF Spadeadam. It explicitly warns of military (and agricultural) vehicles, sudden loud noise, lasers, troop training, low flying aircraft, and, worse of all, deer! A radar tower located at the Spadeadam site on Greymare Hill is just visible on the centre skyline NY6174 : Tower, Spadeadam Forest RAF Spadeadam is the home of the 9000 acre Electronic Warfare Tactics Range. The Norwegian firm, DNV GL, also uses the site for industrial hazard testing, including fire and the destruction of pipelines. Two loud explosions which echoed around the hills while I was in this area were probably this more benign industrial testing.

Andrew Curtis