Teesdale

Valley in Westmorland Eden

England

Teesdale

Looking North-west from Little Cocklake
Looking North-west from Little Cocklake Credit: David Brown

Teesdale, located in the county of Westmorland in North West England, is a picturesque valley renowned for its natural beauty and charming rural landscape. Spanning approximately 60 miles, the valley is nestled within the larger Pennines mountain range and is characterized by its rolling hills, lush green meadows, and meandering river Tees.

The valley is home to several quaint villages and hamlets, including Middleton-in-Teesdale, Eggleston, and Romaldkirk, each offering a unique glimpse into the region's rich history and traditional way of life. The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Iron Age, and is dotted with historic buildings, churches, and ruins that bear testimony to its past.

Teesdale is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, with a variety of habitats supporting a wide range of species. The area is particularly known for its wildflower meadows, which burst into a riot of colors during the summer months. The valley is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with otters, red squirrels, and various bird species being regularly spotted.

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Teesdale to explore its extensive network of walking trails and cycling routes, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. High Force, one of England's most stunning waterfalls, is a major attraction in the valley, drawing visitors from far and wide.

Overall, Teesdale, Westmorland is a tranquil and idyllic destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Teesdale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.671824/-2.3283373 or Grid Reference NY7830. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking North-west from Little Cocklake
Looking North-west from Little Cocklake
Grouse Butt in upper Birkdale
Grouse Butt in upper Birkdale
Hags at the head of Cockle Sike
Hags at the head of Cockle Sike
Boulder and peat banks on slope The slope and groove descend to a tributary of Lodgegill Sike on the west side of Meldon Hill.
Boulder and peat banks on slope
The slope and groove descend to a tributary of Lodgegill Sike on the west side of Meldon Hill.
Remains of ancient pine forest in peat at Great Cocklake Pine tree detritus washed out from the peat. It is remains of the great wild-wood that covered much of Britain after the ice Ages. In the high Pennines the woodland was destroyed about 7500 years ago by blanket bog formed when the climate became wetter. Pollen analysis has shown that pine was particularly common in Upper Teesdale probably to a height of 700m.
Remains of ancient pine forest in peat at Great Cocklake
Pine tree detritus washed out from the peat. It is remains of the great wild-wood that covered much of Britain after the ice Ages. In the high Pennines the woodland was destroyed about 7500 years ago by blanket bog formed when the climate became wetter. Pollen analysis has shown that pine was particularly common in Upper Teesdale probably to a height of 700m.
Peat hags on Great Cocklake
Peat hags on Great Cocklake
Peat bog on Great Cocklake
Peat bog on Great Cocklake
Grassy knoll among the rough grass and peat hags, Great Cocklake
Grassy knoll among the rough grass and peat hags, Great Cocklake
Cockle Sike Cockle Sike drains the peat hags between Meldon Hill and Little Cocklake north-east into Cow Green Reservoir.
Cockle Sike
Cockle Sike drains the peat hags between Meldon Hill and Little Cocklake north-east into Cow Green Reservoir.
Rough grassland of Little and Great Cocklake east of Meldon Hill
Rough grassland of Little and Great Cocklake east of Meldon Hill
View from east slopes of Meldon Hill Looking down on Cow Green Reservoir filling what was the valley of the River Tees. The recent erosion scar on the slope below is plainly visible from the far side <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2564301">NY8130 : Film crew on location above Cow Green Reservoir</a>
View from east slopes of Meldon Hill
Looking down on Cow Green Reservoir filling what was the valley of the River Tees. The recent erosion scar on the slope below is plainly visible from the far side NY8130 : Film crew on location above Cow Green Reservoir
Cairn close to Black Well View of the upper Tees valley and the wastes west of Cow Green Reservoir.
Cairn close to Black Well
View of the upper Tees valley and the wastes west of Cow Green Reservoir.
Sphagnum moss near Black Well Looking down on Cow Green Reservoir
Sphagnum moss near Black Well
Looking down on Cow Green Reservoir
Peat banks and bogs on Great Cocklake Great Cocklake is a name given to the broad east ridge of Meldon Hill; it refers to a 'lek', which is the name given to the display area of black grouse. There are red grouse in the area now but perhaps not black ones - though they are to be found nearby.
Beyond the area of bog lies Mickle Fell which is on the far side of the valley of the Maize Beck.
Peat banks and bogs on Great Cocklake
Great Cocklake is a name given to the broad east ridge of Meldon Hill; it refers to a 'lek', which is the name given to the display area of black grouse. There are red grouse in the area now but perhaps not black ones - though they are to be found nearby. Beyond the area of bog lies Mickle Fell which is on the far side of the valley of the Maize Beck.
Spring on Meldon Hill Nearing the top of the hill.This spring may be on the line of one marked on the map as Black Well
Spring on Meldon Hill
Nearing the top of the hill.This spring may be on the line of one marked on the map as Black Well
Old workings at Dubbysike Mine
Old workings at Dubbysike Mine
Sledge Sike
Sledge Sike
Cow Green Reservoir
Cow Green Reservoir
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Teesdale is located at Grid Ref: NY7830 (Lat: 54.671824, Lng: -2.3283373)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Eden

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///polar.texts.decimal. Near Holwick, Co. Durham

Nearby Locations

Teesdale

Related Wikis

Cow Green Reservoir

Cow Green Reservoir is a 2-mile (3 km) long water reservoir forming part of the border between the historic counties of Westmorland and County Durham in...

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Cauldron Snout is a cascade on the upper reaches of the River Tees in Northern England, immediately below the dam of the Cow Green Reservoir. It is well...

Upper Teesdale

Upper Teesdale is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the west County Durham, England. It encompasses an extensive upland area that includes...

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Harwood is a small valley and village near the head of Teesdale. Harwood Beck is a tributary of the River Tees in County Durham which forms a short valley...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.671824,-2.3283373
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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