Ash Cleugh

Valley in Durham

England

Ash Cleugh

Estate road crossing Yew Cleugh An estate/farm road enters the Weardale side valley of Western Hope keeping above the east side of the Westernhope Burn. That road is seen here descending to cross the minor stream of Yew Cleugh; the view is northwards. — Estate road crossing Yew Cleugh Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Ash Cleugh is a picturesque valley located in County Durham, England. Situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it offers stunning views and a tranquil environment for visitors to enjoy. The valley is nestled between the villages of Westgate and Ireshopeburn, and is characterized by its rolling hills, lush green meadows, and meandering streams.

The name "Ash Cleugh" refers to the presence of ash trees that line the valley, providing a beautiful canopy during the summer months. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers, as it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The valley is especially renowned for its abundance of wildflowers, including bluebells, primroses, and orchids, which create a vibrant and colorful landscape.

Ash Cleugh is intersected by the River Wear, which flows through the valley, adding to its natural beauty. The river offers opportunities for fishing and canoeing, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide. Additionally, the valley is dotted with historic landmarks, including the ruins of medieval castles and old farmsteads, providing a glimpse into the area's rich history.

Visitors can explore Ash Cleugh on foot, following the numerous walking trails that crisscross the valley. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty, catering to both casual strollers and experienced hikers. Along the way, walkers can expect to encounter breathtaking vistas, wildlife sightings, and the peaceful ambiance that makes Ash Cleugh a cherished destination for those seeking solace in nature.

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Ash Cleugh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.706862/-2.1109465 or Grid Reference NY9234. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Estate road crossing Yew Cleugh

An estate/farm road enters the Weardale side valley of Western Hope keeping above the east side of the Westernhope Burn. That road is seen here descending to cross the minor stream of Yew Cleugh; the view is northwards.

Trevor Littlewood

Curved walls on west side of Westernhope Burn

There are two wall sections across the stream, one completely ruinous. OS mapping at 1:25 000 names these curved walls as sheepfolds but surely they're not; a sheepfold would have a means of sealing an entrance so as to confine animals when required; that would be impossible here. A more likely explanation is that the features are/were sheep shelters so that beasts could keep out of the worst of poor weather.

Trevor Littlewood

Mine site beside Ash Cleugh

Ash Cleugh is a side valley of Western Hope and continues beyond the mine remains with Blaeberry Cleugh joining from the right just below the spoil heap; the mine site is one of many within the Western Hope catchment.

Trevor Littlewood

Slopes rising to Snowhope Hill

Mainly grassy slopes rise to Snowhope Hill, the name given to the crest of the ground above. The foreground is occupied by mosses at the side of a minor stream draining to Western Hope but unmarked on OS maps even at the 1:25 000 scale.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland on north-west slope of Outberry Plain

The density of heather on the north-eastern moorland slope of Outberry Plain increases with height but here, at around 600m cotton grass is the more eye-catching vegetation. Snowhope Hill is the flat top on the centre horizon. (Note: Cotton grasses, despite the name are not grasses but sedges and to add to the complication there's not just the one species.)

Trevor Littlewood

Fence rising over moorland rising to Outberry Plain

The fence here follows the watershed between Weardale and Teesdale; the summit of the vague rise ahead, Outberry Plain, is very hard to identify.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland ridge north-east of Outberry Plain

The ridge running from Outberry Plain northwards into Weardale is a broad, heathery affair; Snowhope Hill lies to the left side of this image, no hill in its own right but just the point at which the ridge begins to decline.

Trevor Littlewood

Slope rising to Blackhill End

This is the western side of Western Hope, a tributary valley of the River Wear. There appears to be some sort of experimental work going on here; the fence in the image has clearly been installed recently and demarcates vegetation cover. Outside the enclosed area the dead grass strands of the previous year's growth remain but inside they're missing - obviously removed by some means. There are areas of the unkempt vegetation within the fenced area as well and a pattern exists with the two types of vegetation cover alternating.

Trevor Littlewood