Black Cleugh

Valley in Durham

England

Black Cleugh

Head of the River Wear The point where Killhope Burn and Burnhope Burn meet to become the River Wear - at the aptly named village of Wearhead. — Head of the River Wear Credit: Chris Heaton

Black Cleugh is a small village located in the county of Durham in the northeast of England. Situated in the beautiful valley area, it is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and is known for its picturesque views. The village is part of the larger community of Weardale, which is renowned for its agricultural heritage and charming countryside.

Black Cleugh is characterized by its traditional stone-built houses and cottages, which add to its rustic charm. The village is sparsely populated, with a tight-knit community that fosters a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The residents predominantly engage in farming and other rural occupations, reflecting the area's strong agricultural roots.

The River Wear flows through the valley, providing a scenic backdrop for the village. The surrounding hills and moorlands offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. The area is also known for its rich wildlife, with various species of birds, mammals, and plants found in the vicinity.

Despite its small size, Black Cleugh is well-connected to nearby towns and cities. The village is within a short driving distance from the market town of Stanhope, where residents can access amenities such as shops, schools, and healthcare facilities. Additionally, the city of Durham is approximately 20 miles away, offering a wider range of services and cultural attractions.

In conclusion, Black Cleugh is a charming village in Durham Valley, offering a peaceful and idyllic setting for residents and visitors alike. With its natural beauty and close-knit community, it is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil rural lifestyle.

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Black Cleugh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.753884/-2.2476791 or Grid Reference NY8439. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Head of the River Wear

The point where Killhope Burn and Burnhope Burn meet to become the River Wear - at the aptly named village of Wearhead.

Chris Heaton

Wearhead

The A689 running through the small village of Wearhead

Chris Heaton

River level monitoring station on the Killhope Burn, Wearhead

For information on water levels: Link

Tim Heaton

The head of the Wear at Wearhead

The River Wear starts here, below the junction of the Burnhope Burn and the Killhope Burn. Weardale, and the Weardale Way start 4½ miles upstream at the head of the Killhope Burn

Tim Heaton

Public convenience, Wearhead

The villages of Weardale are well supplied with free toilets.

Tim Heaton

Old bridge marker, Wearhead

The Durham Historic Environment Record (HER) Link

says that this is "a stone milestone or property marker". But a longstanding local resident told me that the "C", which is the Latin letter for 100, indicated that the river (Wear) was 100 yards (presumably Roman yards) away. The location of this stone is shown in NY8539 : Front Street, Wearhead and NY8539 : Front Street, Wearhead (2).

Mike Quinn

Front Street, Wearhead

Shows the location of the NY8539 : Old bridge marker, Wearhead.

Mike Quinn

Front Street, Wearhead (2)

Shows the location of the NY8539 : Old bridge marker, Wearhead.

Mike Quinn

Low water in Burnhope Reservoir

The reservoir in upper Weardale during August 2022, following an extended period of low rainfall. Burnhope Seat is the hill on the horizon, its summit area being cloud-shadowed, left of centre.

Trevor Littlewood

Path on north side of Burnhope Reservoir

Maps show that if full the reservoir's water would reach close to the path. That's far from the situation in mid-August 2022 when the water level was well down. It seems that the reservoir is not now used as a direct supply source for homes or industry but to top up when necessary, water flow in the River Wear.

Trevor Littlewood

Pipeline crossing valley of Black Cleugh

Being so close to Burnhope Reservoir it's assumed that the pipe carries water either to or from there. Both the pipe and the reservoir surface are close to the 400 m. contour so it's unclear in which direction, (if under gravity), water would flow.

Trevor Littlewood

Dam and spillway at Burnhope Reservoir at time of low water

Despite some heavy rain in the first half of September 2022 after an extended dry spell, the water level at the Burnhope Reservoir remains very low. Were the reservoir full, excess water would be dropping over the lip of the spillway and cascading down the steps to run down and join the River Wear in the valley below.

Trevor Littlewood

Burnhope Burn running into Burnhope Reservoir.

The water level in the reservoir is well below capacity following a long dry spell of weather during the summer. Certainly, if it was full, its water would cover the distant vegetated area at the centre of the image.

Trevor Littlewood

Hill road leaving Grasshill Causeway

The rough road appears to be heading for High House but it doesn't go directly there, instead it veers to the left to reach another building, not in view in the image, Far High House. Neither property is occupied.

Trevor Littlewood

Access road and bridleway heading north from Wearhead

The rising road gives access to a number of houses. It's also the route of a bridleway which can be followed easily on foot as far as the distant, parked vehicle and even beyond it, but fairly soon after that it becomes a struggle and to get a horse through the overgrown route with some fallen trees would take a prodigious effort!

Trevor Littlewood

Last Train waiting to leave Wearhead for Bishop Auckland

View NW, towards buffer-stops; ex-NE terminus of line from Bishop Auckland, 27/6/53: the locomotive is ex-NE J21 No. 65078. Goods traffic continued up the valley as far as St John's Chapel until 2/1/61; a passenger service, Bishop Auckland - Stanhope was restored by the Weardale Railway from 23/5/10. See also NY8539 : Wearhead Station and engine shed and NZ2029 : The Last Train to Wearhead waits to leave Bishop Auckland Station.

Ben Brooksbank