Westernhopeburn

Heritage Site in Durham

England

Westernhopeburn

Quarry of 'Weardale Works' Weardale has seen massive amounts of rock quarried from its sides and no larger working exists in the valley than the old Blue Circle, later Lafarge operation on the south side which supplied limestone by conveyor to the cement works at Eastgate; OS mapping names the area as &#039;Weardale Works&#039;.
Soon after the Lafarge purchase quarrying and cement manufacture ceased and the cement works at Eastgate was erased. Similarly the quarrying operation ended and the quarry area has been landscaped.
Once a public footpath cut across the north end of the quarry site; it was closed during the period of extraction but it seems that it might be reopened in the future; the image here was taken from the probable line of the path and shows distantly part of the quarry face beyond nearer workings. — Quarry of 'Weardale Works' Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Westernhopeburn is a small village located in the Durham Dales, England. It is renowned for its historical significance and is considered a heritage site due to its well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage. The village is situated on the banks of the River Wear, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and rolling hills.

The origins of Westernhopeburn can be traced back to the medieval period, and evidence of its rich history can be seen in the numerous historic buildings and structures that still stand today. The village is home to a charming church, St. John's Church, which dates back to the 12th century and boasts stunning stained glass windows and intricate stonework. The church is an important religious and architectural landmark in the area.

In addition to the church, Westernhopeburn is also home to several traditional stone cottages that have been lovingly preserved over the centuries. These cottages offer a glimpse into the village's past and provide visitors with a unique insight into the local way of life.

Furthermore, the surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. The rolling hills and scenic trails attract nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, making Westernhopeburn a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall, Westernhopeburn is a charming and historically significant village in Durham, England. With its well-preserved architecture, cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings, it is an ideal destination for those seeking a glimpse into the region's rich history and natural beauty.

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Westernhopeburn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.732/-2.102 or Grid Reference NY9337. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Quarry of 'Weardale Works'

Weardale has seen massive amounts of rock quarried from its sides and no larger working exists in the valley than the old Blue Circle, later Lafarge operation on the south side which supplied limestone by conveyor to the cement works at Eastgate; OS mapping names the area as 'Weardale Works'. Soon after the Lafarge purchase quarrying and cement manufacture ceased and the cement works at Eastgate was erased. Similarly the quarrying operation ended and the quarry area has been landscaped. Once a public footpath cut across the north end of the quarry site; it was closed during the period of extraction but it seems that it might be reopened in the future; the image here was taken from the probable line of the path and shows distantly part of the quarry face beyond nearer workings.

Trevor Littlewood

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

South-west corner of Ludwell Wood

Ludwell Wood lies to the east of the valley of Western Hope; it's seen in this image from an estate road to the south on the same side of Western Hope.

Trevor Littlewood

Estate road in Western Hope

An estate road enters Western Hope on its eastern side where for some distance it runs at the lower edge of the 'Weardale Works', now disused. The 'Works' was a limestone quarrying operation which cut and crushed the rock then transported it by conveyor down to the floor of the Wear Valley at Eastgate for the manufacture of cement at the Blue Circle plant there. The mounds in the distance are landscaped spoil heaps of the quarry; the road runs below there too.

Trevor Littlewood

Storage shed

Andrew Tatlow

Herding Sheep

Andrew Tatlow

Ludwell

Haymaking in fields on Ludwell Farm.

Peter McDermott

Old and new at Littlewood Farm

A curious situation here where the foundations of the new build in front of the camera seem to have been installed across the line of a public footpath or at least very close to it! The footpath arises from a minor road on the south side of the River Wear and rises south-east towards what were the abandoned buildings at Littlewood Farm, the route being less than straightforward to follow even before this location. It's assumed that the route is still a current right of way - there's a finger post in place where the path leaves the road and no indication of any variation from the mapped line.

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