Ashes Gill

Valley in Durham

England

Ashes Gill

Field north of Ladley Burn and south of Ladley Burn A field, south of Ladley Burn the house - seen against the backdrop of trees and north of Ladley Burn the stream - out of view in front of the camera position; the footpath runs along its north bank. — Field north of Ladley Burn and south of Ladley Burn Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Ashes Gill, also known as Ashes Gill Valley, is a picturesque area located in County Durham, England. The valley is situated within the larger North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Ashes Gill is characterized by its tranquil atmosphere and rural charm. The valley is nestled between rolling hills and is intersected by a small stream, which adds to its scenic beauty. The stream meanders through the valley, cascading over rocks and creating small waterfalls along its course.

The area is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of plant and animal species. It provides a habitat for numerous bird species, including the dipper and grey wagtail, as well as mammals such as otters and badgers. The valley's lush vegetation includes a mix of woodland, heathland, and grassland, which further enhances its natural appeal.

Ashes Gill is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers, who can explore the area through a network of walking trails. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the countryside, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

In addition to its natural attractions, Ashes Gill also has historical significance. The valley has evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age, with archaeological remains and ancient features scattered throughout the area.

Overall, Ashes Gill is a haven of natural beauty, offering visitors the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse themselves in a serene and idyllic countryside setting.

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Ashes Gill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.722766/-1.8954514 or Grid Reference NZ0636. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Field north of Ladley Burn and south of Ladley Burn

A field, south of Ladley Burn the house - seen against the backdrop of trees and north of Ladley Burn the stream - out of view in front of the camera position; the footpath runs along its north bank.

Trevor Littlewood

Rough grazing near Hole Beck

The south side of the Wear valley between Wolsingham and Frosterley rises gradually, eventually to reach heather moorland beyond the farm enclosures. In this image at just over 200m, the quality of the vegetation is already deteriorating - as far as farming is concerned.

Trevor Littlewood

New road, Wolsingham

Alex McGregor

The centre of Wolsingham

David Gearing

Grand day for ducks, Demesne Mill picnic area

This area is the site of a medieval water-mill but little remains apart from some wall fragments and part of the mill race further along the Waskerley Beck. The building was demolished in 1951. A mill here was possibly established in Norman times. Keys to the Past: Link

Andrew Curtis

Waterfall on Waskerley Beck

Although the map shows these as 'falls', the local name seems more apt, 'The Sills'. The location is a detour on Wolsingham's Wheelchair Walk NZ0737 : Wheelchair-friendly kissing gate

Andrew Curtis

Footpath by Waskerley Beck

Andrew Curtis

Waskerley Beck

Andrew Curtis

Sheep pasture north-east of Mayfield

Andrew Curtis

Thornhope Beck

On the left is part of the original stream bed now cut off as an oxbow lake. Thornhope Beck joins Waskerley Beck just below this point.

Andrew Curtis

Footbridge over Thornhope Beck

Known locally as the Jack Walker Bridge Link

An old photo shows there was also a Jack Walker dam. The old maps do not show its location but it may also have been near here where there was a weir on the Waskerley Beck from where a mill race started leading to the former Demesne Mill. The depression in the corner of the field may be the remains of such a mill pond although it now looks like an earlier course of the Thornhope Beck NZ0737 : Thornhope Beck

Andrew Curtis

Ford and stepping stones across Waskerley Beck

Andrew Curtis

Track below Holywood

The house is part of the complex at Orchard House, part of the prestigious Holywood estate. The chimneys of Holywood Hall can be seen behind Link

It was once home to the industrialist, Charles Atwood who built Wolsingham Steel Works at Stanner's Close in the 1860s Link

Andrew Curtis

Track south of Holywood

The track provides access to Low Doctor Pasture Farm by the Waskerley Beck.

Andrew Curtis

Estate road, Holywood

Andrew Curtis

Path to Baal Hill House near Holy Well

Andrew Curtis

The chimneys of Holywood Hall, Holywood

Holywood Hall was once the home of Charles Attwood who built the Wolsingham Steel Works in the 1860s, starting a prestigious business and major employer in the town. The hall is now divided into four individual properties. The modern houses of the Holywood Estate were built on the site of a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients.

Andrew Curtis