Lower Fox Valley

Valley in Northumberland

England

Lower Fox Valley

Track Junction, High Kellas Plantation A lonesome pine standing tall in a much younger block of forestry. — Track Junction, High Kellas Plantation Credit: Mick Garratt

Lower Fox Valley is a scenic region located in Northumberland, a county in the northeast of England. Nestled within the larger Fox Valley, this area is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and historical significance.

The region is defined by the River Fox, which meanders through the valley, providing a peaceful and idyllic setting. The surrounding countryside is characterized by rolling hills, lush green fields, and dense woodlands, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

Lower Fox Valley is home to several quaint villages and hamlets, each with its own unique character. The villages often feature traditional stone cottages, charming pubs, and local shops, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The residents of these villages are known for their warm hospitality and strong sense of community.

History buffs will find plenty to explore in Lower Fox Valley. The area boasts several historic landmarks, including ancient castles, churches, and ruins. These remnants of the past provide insight into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

In terms of amenities, Lower Fox Valley offers a range of facilities to cater to residents and visitors. The region has a selection of shops, restaurants, and accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Additionally, there are recreational opportunities such as golf courses, fishing spots, and nature reserves, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Overall, Lower Fox Valley is a charming and tranquil region that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a close-knit community atmosphere.

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Lower Fox Valley Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.894745/-2.0261783 or Grid Reference NY9855. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track Junction, High Kellas Plantation

A lonesome pine standing tall in a much younger block of forestry.

Mick Garratt

Hairy Side

View across Hairy Side above Derwent Reservoir.

Peter McDermott

Old Stove

Old Stove, including stove pipe and fuel, near Hairy Side.

Peter McDermott

Coal Road leading to Slaley Golf Course

Les Hull

Donald's Grave near Esper Shields

Donald's Grave is apparently the name of this boundary stone on the south side of the minor road that runs from Kiln Pit Hill on the A68 to Blanchland, 10m east of the Coal Road (track) that leads north-west through the grounds of Slaley Hall. The stone is Grade II Listed (List Entry Number: 1045376) and is described as: "Probable boundary marker, C18th or perhaps a reworking of a more ancient stone. Gritstone. Roughly-cut monolith of trapezoidal plan, exposed height 0.9 metres. East face with incised B; north face with remains of incised design, possibly a cross within a circle; west face incised A (laid sideways) and S." See closer photo here NZ0054 : Donald's Grave near Esper Shields (detail) Local researchers think the stone may be an allotment marker from the Bulbeck Common Award (1771) which was divided between George Silvertop of Minsteracres (S) and George Baker (B), the Lord of the Manor. It has also been suggested that Donald's Grave may have originally been mapped on the north side of the road but the nature of the feature represented by the name is not specified. There are two further named stones just to the north, possibly on the same boundary: Greyhound Stone (which I couldn't find) and Hare Stone, an C18th boundary stone. All 3 stones are named on the 1st Edition 6" OS Map Northumberland, 104 (1864): Link

Only Donald's Grave is represented on current large scale mapping. The Hare Stone is also Listed Grade II (List Entry Number: 1370318) said to be marked B (Blanchland) on south-west, and S (Slaley) on north-east side NY9955 : The Hare Stone near Slaley Hall The hill in the field beyond the wall is named Hairy Side.

Andrew Curtis

Donald's Grave near Esper Shields (detail)

See description here NZ0054 : Donald's Grave near Esper Shields

Andrew Curtis

Harvesting a section of Slaley Forest

Signs at the entrance to the eastern end of Slaley Forest warn of a number of closed tracks as a diamond-shaped section of the plantation was being actively clear-cut. The noise of chainsaws filled the air, which a tractor dragged cut logs on a trailer, using a crane to lift these into stacks. A big road-legal timber truck was the other side of the logpile using its own crane to take them off again and away to become glamourous new products like fenceposts or newsprint.

Andy Waddington

Forest track in Slaley Forest

A byway is shown on maps running roughly east-west for a kilometre and a half in this area of Slaley Forest, but on the ground, the line it supposedly takes is just densely planted forest. Instead, one is obliged to take a longer route via a number of SW-NE and SE-NW forest tracks such as this one, which are not rights of way of any description (though the bulk of the forest is CROW Access Land).

Andy Waddington

Forest track branches off byway, Slaley Forest

The route to the right is supposedly a byway, though the line of that right of way some way ahead seems to have been wholly effaced by the forest leaving only rather longer routes on the forest tracks (with signage making clear that these are not for vehicles). The route to the left is one of these tracks, and the one we have just taken to reach this point (in the absence of any trace of the byway we'd intended to use starting about two kilometres away).

Andy Waddington

Old watercourse near site of Acton High Mill

Likely to be the original feed for the watercourse leading from Acton Burn to Acton High Mill. There is a view in the other direction here: NY9753 : Old watercourse near site of Acton High Mill

Andrew Curtis