Rookhope

Settlement in Durham

England

Rookhope

Narrow walled enclosure beside Boltslaw Incline The enclosure surely has no current use. The slope beyond it descends to the fields and village of Rookhope. The flattish area above the break of slope rises gradually to the summit area of Bolt&#039;s Law. Boltslaw Incline is just out of view to the right of the image. — Narrow walled enclosure beside Boltslaw Incline Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Rookhope is a small village located in the county of Durham, England. Situated in the upper Weardale valley, it lies approximately 20 miles southwest of the city of Durham. The village is nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Historically, Rookhope was a mining village, with lead mining being the main industry during the 18th and 19th centuries. The remnants of this industrial heritage can still be seen in the form of old mine buildings and spoil heaps scattered across the surrounding hillsides.

Today, Rookhope is a tranquil and close-knit community, with a population of around 200 residents. The village is known for its stunning natural surroundings, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. The nearby Rookhope Burn is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Although modest in size, Rookhope boasts some amenities for its residents and visitors. These include a village hall, a pub, and a primary school. The village also hosts various events throughout the year, including the Rookhope Show, which showcases local agriculture and crafts.

Overall, Rookhope is a charming village that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its rich mining history, coupled with its breathtaking natural beauty, make it an attractive destination for those seeking a taste of rural England.

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Rookhope Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.777935/-2.092469 or Grid Reference NY9442. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Narrow walled enclosure beside Boltslaw Incline

The enclosure surely has no current use. The slope beyond it descends to the fields and village of Rookhope. The flattish area above the break of slope rises gradually to the summit area of Bolt's Law. Boltslaw Incline is just out of view to the right of the image.

Trevor Littlewood

Slope descending from Long Hill

The view is from a cairn, west from the high point of the moorland summit, Long Hill. Beyond, the sunlit ground is on the far side of Rook Hope and most distant are Fendrith Hill and Chapel Fell, seen across both Rook Hope and Weardale.

Trevor Littlewood

Lintzgarth Arch

Clive Nicholson

High Brandon

High Brandon has the appearance of being a terrace of several homes but according to an offer for sale in 2011 (at £450 000), it's a single house with an attached cottage. It sits high on the eastern slope of the valley of Rook Hope and is described as a "Traditional dales long house".

Trevor Littlewood

Road descending down to the Rookhope valley at Redburn

Clive Nicholson

The now closed and derelict Church of St John at Rookhope

Viewed from the south-west. A notice within the porch of the church indicates how the contents were dispersed upon closure in 2014. One can hope that it will find a new use as a dwelling.

Peter Wood

Road between Rookhope and Eastgate

Clive Nicholson

Horses grazing in a buttercup meadow south of Rookhope

Mike Quinn

Rookhope Arch

Not built by the Romans, this is the last surviving arch of six that were built by lead miners to carry a flue from smelting hearths nearby.

Karl and Ali

Hill road and Boltslaw Incline

The incline descends from the notch on the skyline heading down to Rookhope. The road leaves the incline and makes its way across a ridge, (to the right, out of the image), descending into the valley of the Stanhope Burn.

Trevor Littlewood

Eastern slope of Long Law

The slope is descending into the drainage regime of the Stanhope Burn. The flat-topped moorland on the central skyline is Horseshoe Hill.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland lit by low-angled sunshine

The foreground moorland looks almost to have been burnt - much heather moorland is as part of management for grouse shooting - but this hasn't, the appearance is down to the low angled autumnal sunshine. The flat-topped moorland hill at the centre of the image is Long Law; the oblique line crossing it is the Boltslaw Incline.

Trevor Littlewood