Swin Hope

Valley in Durham

England

Swin Hope

Swin Hope, Durham (Valley) is a small village located in the northeastern region of England. Situated in the picturesque Durham County, Swin Hope is nestled within the beautiful North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With a population of around 200 residents, the village offers a peaceful and close-knit community atmosphere.

The village is characterized by its stunning natural surroundings, with rolling hills, lush green meadows, and meandering streams. Swin Hope is particularly renowned for its breathtaking valley, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This makes it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers.

Despite its small size, Swin Hope boasts a few amenities that cater to its residents' needs. The village has a local pub that serves as a social hub, providing a place for residents to gather and enjoy a drink or a meal together. Additionally, there is a small village store where essentials can be purchased.

Swin Hope is also notable for its rich history, with archaeological evidence suggesting human habitation in the area dating back to the Iron Age. The village's historic church, St. Mary's, is a prominent landmark that has stood for centuries, attracting visitors interested in exploring the area's heritage.

Overall, Swin Hope, Durham (Valley) offers a serene and idyllic countryside setting, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a quiet retreat or a base for exploring the natural beauty of the North Pennines.

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Swin Hope Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.711734/-2.1583769 or Grid Reference NY8935. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pine trees in Swin Hope

Swin Hope is a tributary valley of the River Wear; it's seen here looking downhill towards the parent valley.

Trevor Littlewood

The start of a long descent

The minor road from Newbiggin to Westgate begins a long descent here from the 2000ft contour to below 1000ft in Weardale.

Gordon Hatton

Swinhope Plantation

First edition OS maps of the 1850's show an extensive area of trees around the upper reaches of the Swinhope Burn. This view shows the eastern edge of the wooded area with plenty of Scots pine in evidence. If the old OS map is accurate, then the wooded area is in decline as there are areas now without trees, but the question is, why was this area planted in the first place?

Gordon Hatton

Swin Hope below Swinside House

Looking north east from just to the south of NY8935 : Swinside House (photographed by Oliver Dixon) across the valley towards the ruined farmhouse at NY9036 : Far New Close (3).

Mike Quinn

Swinhope Moor below Chapelfell Top

Mike Quinn

New House

Mike Quinn

Ruined building at Swinhopehead mine in 1994

The building is in the valley of the Swinhope Burn below the moorland summits, Chapel Fell and Fendrith Hill. The image was made from the water outflow of the actual mine level. The distant shadowed ridge is Black Fell.

Trevor Littlewood

Ruins of Cockran's Cabin

The tiny, remote building is now a total ruin. It's at an altitude of 620 metres and lies on the eastern side of Chapel Fell overlooking Swindale. The slopes on which it stands descend into Swindale, beyond which is Westernhope Moor.

Trevor Littlewood

Swinhope Plantation

The plantation is in the upper valley of Swin Hope, a tributary to the River Wear. The trees are well scattered and give the impression of an open, mixed woodland. The building with the rusting roof is known as New House.

Trevor Littlewood

Descent into the valley of the Swinhope Burn

Dramatic descent on the road from Newbiggin (Teesdale) to Westgate (Weardale) from the summit at Swinhope Head which, at 609 metres above sea level, I believe is the highest public motorable road in England. Swinside House NY8935 can be seen on the flank of the valley to the left.

Oliver Dixon

Descent to Swinhope Bridge

On the mountain road between Newbiggin (Teesdale) and Westgate (Weardale). Swinside House NY8935 stands on the hillside beyond.

Oliver Dixon

Shelter belt above Swinhopehead House

On the mountain road between Newbiggin (Teesdale) and Westgate (Weardale). Swinhopehead House lies at the downhill end of this small patch of woodland. Chapelfell Top NY8734 on the skyline.

Oliver Dixon

Swinside House

Remote house beside the mountain road between Newbiggin (Teesdale) and Westgate (Weardale).

Oliver Dixon

Footpath at Ramshaw Well Head

This footpath gets off to a bad start by crossing an unbridged ditch before reaching the gate.

Oliver Dixon

Descent to Westgate

The final descent into Weardale on the mountain road between Newbiggin (Teesdale) and Westgate (Weardale).

Oliver Dixon

Road in Swinhope

Swinhope is a tributary valley of Weardale, feeding it from the south. A minor road passes through the valley crossing to Teesdale by the pass at Swinhope Head virtually at 2000 feet. The road in this image is snowed and on the day this image was recorded, much travelled by members of the Weardale Ski Club which has an installation out of view to the right in the photograph. The scattered trees, many of them Scots pines are in what is known as Swinhope Plantation.

Trevor Littlewood

Ruined sheepfold on Chapel Fell

The sheepfold is on Chapel Fell, north-east of the summit and close to a location named as High Pike; it's entirely ruined. The distant hill is Westernhope Moor.

Trevor Littlewood

Snowed moorland on Chapel Fell

Chapel Fell with Fendrith Hill forms a major hill block on the south side of Weardale; the image was recorded north-east of the summit on 'Windyside Moss'. Hills at the head of Weardale are visible in the distance where the dark shape is the forest plantations at Killhope; Killhope Law rises to the right of those trees.

Trevor Littlewood

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Swin Hope is located at Grid Ref: NY8935 (Lat: 54.711734, Lng: -2.1583769)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham