Black Cleugh

Valley in Northumberland

England

Black Cleugh

Catcleugh Reservoir from the air Viewed from a Prague bound flight from Edinburgh. — Catcleugh Reservoir from the air Credit: Thomas Nugent

Black Cleugh is a picturesque valley located in the county of Northumberland, in the northeast region of England. Situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife.

The valley is nestled between rolling hills and is characterized by its steep slopes and deep gorges, which were carved by ancient glaciers. The landscape is dominated by a mixture of heather moorland, grassy meadows, and dense woodland, creating a diverse habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.

The valley is also home to the Black Cleugh Burn, a small river that meanders through the area, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting. The river is a popular spot for fishing, with brown trout and salmon being abundant in its waters.

Historically, Black Cleugh has played a significant role in the region's mining industry. The valley was once home to several lead mines, which operated from the 18th century until the mid-20th century. Today, remnants of these mining activities can still be seen, adding an intriguing historical element to the area.

In addition to its natural beauty, Black Cleugh offers numerous walking and hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the valley and its surroundings. The valley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and photography.

Overall, Black Cleugh is a captivating destination that combines stunning natural landscapes, a rich mining history, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit location for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Black Cleugh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.297314/-2.5082534 or Grid Reference NT6700. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Catcleugh Reservoir from the air

Viewed from a Prague bound flight from Edinburgh.

Thomas Nugent

Exposed sandstone on lip of Kielderhead Moor

Andrew Curtis

Bog asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum), Big Flow

The bright green leaves of Bog asphodel contrast with the dull moorland grasses and low heather. This normally boggy area of Kielderhead Moor is shown on maps as Big Flow.

Andrew Curtis

Blanket bog of Big Flow, Kielderhead Moor

Andrew Curtis

Sink hole, Limestone Knowe

The presence of sink holes shows that the rock below the blanket bog has changed from sandstone to limestone. The hill is aptly named.

Andrew Curtis

Fence south of Limestone Knowe

Andrew Curtis

Fence and access steps at Limestone Knowe

The fence, first photographed here in 2006 NT6701 : Fence and access steps at Limestone Knowe, has been recently renewed and the access steps replaced by a stile. The unusually high, moorland fence, is designed to restrict the movement of the wild goat herd that inhabits this area.

Andrew Curtis

Fence and access steps at Limestone Knowe

Walter Baxter

Bleak moorland

At Wily Sikes between Limestone Knowe and White Crags.

Walter Baxter

Boulders at White Crags

Walter Baxter

Trig Pillar S7909 - The Grun

Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar S7909 on Grey Mares Knowe. This tertiary station is named on OS records as The Grun. The pillar was completed on 23rd March 1954 at a cost of £48.2s.0d. Computed for triangulation in 1957, levelled in 1958 and last maintained by the OS in October 1986.

Graeme Paterson

Looking up the Little Carry Burn

Wild moorland, no sheep, no paths (other than the bridleway which comes and goes), no grouse moor management. Land not planted by the Forestry Commission and now a National Nature Reserve.

Richard Webb

Wild goats at Kielderhead

Not 100% sure of precise location as the path kind of disappears, but definitely within this grid square: Keeping above the burn walking down from the Girdle Stone towards the Kielder burn we got the smell of goats and lo! Two dozen of them crossing the slope.

Michael Duckett

Kielder Head, following the burn

Lots of little tributaries get the Kielder Burn kick-started here. Wild goat and bracken country.

Michael Duckett

Tributary to the White Kielder Burn

I forget now if it's part of Wily Sikes or the White Grain (I think the latter): the clearest craggy part of streambed on that bit of path.

Michael Duckett

Gathering ground of the Little Carry Burn

Some of the more far flung reaches of the North Tyne drainage, although one of the possible sources (Black Needle) is in Scotland. A vast area of rough moorland.

Richard Webb