Church Brough

Settlement in Westmorland Eden

England

Church Brough

Looking over Swindale The view from the bridleway at Helbeck looking over the wooded valley to the distant fells above Kirkby Stephen and Mallerstang. — Looking over Swindale Credit: Karl and Ali

Church Brough is a small village located in the county of Westmorland, in the northwestern region of England. Situated in the Eden District, this picturesque village is nestled in the scenic landscape of the Pennines, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The village is positioned approximately 3 miles northwest of the market town of Kirkby Stephen.

The focal point of Church Brough is the historic St. Michael's Church, which dates back to the 12th century. This Norman-style church is known for its intricate architecture and is a popular site for visitors interested in historical and architectural heritage. Adjacent to the church stands Brough Castle, a medieval fortress that was built in the 11th century. The castle ruins are a significant attraction, showcasing the rich history of the area.

Despite its small size, Church Brough offers a range of amenities and facilities to its residents and visitors. These include a few local shops, a primary school, a post office, and a village hall. The village also boasts a cozy pub, providing a friendly atmosphere for locals and tourists alike.

Surrounded by scenic walking trails, Church Brough offers ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the countryside and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The village's proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes it an ideal base for exploring these stunning regions.

Overall, Church Brough is a charming and historic village that offers a peaceful and idyllic setting for residents and visitors, with its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and range of amenities.

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Church Brough Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.522239/-2.316682 or Grid Reference NY7914. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking over Swindale

The view from the bridleway at Helbeck looking over the wooded valley to the distant fells above Kirkby Stephen and Mallerstang.

Karl and Ali

Track below Helbeck Quarry

Andrew Curtis

Track east of Helbeck Quarry

The footpath along the track which starts at the end of the minor road near Helbeck Quarry looked like a good place to walk. The extensive area of Warop Range was shown on my fairly recent 1:25000 map as starting west of Helbeck Wood NY7816 and well to the north NY8018 However, the red flag flying here, a confusing sign which both implied that you were entering the range area but (maybe) not quite at danger for a distance 3800 metres from the flag, and the loud sound of gunfire were enough to put me off. The range here is in use six and a half days of the week. Sunday afternoons and the few access days would be a better bet when I'm next across this way. Link

Andrew Curtis

Bluebells above Swindale Beck

Andrew Curtis

Hazel coppice and bluebells, Swindale Wood

Andrew Curtis

Swindale Beck

Andrew Curtis

Common Tamarisk-moss (Thuidium tamariscinum)

A common and easily recognised moss growing on a boulder in Swindale Wood, near Swindale Beck. Link

Andrew Curtis

A carpet of bluebells in Swindale Wood

Andrew Curtis

Fields east of Helbeck

View south to the distinctive outline of Long Rigg Scar NY8009 : Long Rigg with High Seat in the distance. Birkett Hill, another hill with a distinctive profile, can be seen to the right, above the trees NY7907 : Birkett Hill from Birkett Hill

Andrew Curtis

Helbeck Quarry above Brough

An active and ever expanding limestone quarry opened in the 1920s operated by the Sherburn Stone Company. It quarries limestones formed during the Dinantian Epoch of the Carboniferous Period, from approximately 327 to 316 million years ago.

Andrew Curtis

Road from Brough to Middleton in Teesdale

The wooded valley of the Swindale Beck can be seen beyond the road.

Andrew Curtis

Past the red flag, east of Helbeck Quarry

This afternoon the red warning flag wasn't flying so I decided to complete the walk I had planned earlier NY8015 : Track east of Helbeck Quarry This is the track just past the gate and red flag which warns of live firing on the MOD range.

Andrew Curtis

Common Rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium)

Rock-rose is abundant in the short, rabbit-grazed grassland east of Helbeck Quarry reflecting the underlying limestone rock of this area NY8015 : Helbeck Quarry above Brough

Andrew Curtis

A66 east of Brough

The A66 is a major road in northern England running from near Middlesbrough to Workington. The section between Scotch Corner and Penrith is a Trans-Pennine route between the A1 and M6, following an old Roman Road. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick