Blengdale Forest

Wood, Forest in Cumberland Copeland

England

Blengdale Forest

Blengdale Forest, located in Cumberland, England, is a picturesque woodland covering an area of approximately 2,000 hectares. Situated in the western part of the Lake District National Park, it offers a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The forest is primarily composed of mixed broadleaf and coniferous trees, including oak, birch, beech, and Scots pine. These trees create a rich and diverse ecosystem, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife such as red squirrels, deer, and a wide range of bird species. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of vibrant wildflowers during the spring and summer months.

Several walking trails wind their way through Blengdale Forest, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its natural beauty. The routes vary in length and difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. Along these paths, walkers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby fells and valleys.

Blengdale Forest is also home to the Blengdale SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), recognized for its significant geological features and rare plant species. This designation highlights the importance of the forest in terms of conservation and preservation.

Visitors to Blengdale Forest can take advantage of the various amenities available, including car parks, picnic areas, and information boards detailing the forest's history and wildlife. The forest is open to the public year-round, with the changing seasons offering a different experience each time. Blengdale Forest is a cherished natural gem, providing a peaceful retreat and a haven for biodiversity in the heart of Cumberland.

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Blengdale Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.44758/-3.3987651 or Grid Reference NY0906. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trees in Blengdale Forest

An area of mature planting within Blengdale Forest. Some of the trees on the edge of the block appear to have succumbed to wind damage, probably exacerbated by the trees on the opposite side of the track being felled fairly recently.

Graham Robson

Clear felled area within Blengdale Forest

A large area of forest cleared of all trees, a bleak expanse of open ground on a wet day at the start of November.

Graham Robson

Bridleway descending to the River Bleng

A bridleway picks its way down the slope towards the river between a block of planting and a dry stone wall.

Graham Robson

The River Bleng

The River Bleng carrying a lot of water downstream on a persistently rainy November day. There are, according to maps, stepping stones somewhere under the torrent of water allowing bridleway users to cross the river, I wasn't mad enough to try crossing however.

Graham Robson

Track in Blengdale Forest

A track through Blengdale Forest. A footpath follows the track.

Graham Robson

Log piles beside the track, Blengdale Forest

Evidence of ongoing work in Blengdale Forest in the form of piles of cut logs stacked beside the track through the forest.

Graham Robson

Road south of Blengdale

The minor road connecting Blengdale and Blengdale Forest to the village of Wellington.

Graham Robson

Moorland of Ponsonby Fell

Ponsonby Fell is a moorland hill rising to just 315 m.; its summit is out of view to the right, Swainson Knott being the distant summit.

Trevor Littlewood

Grass with rushes at southern Ponsonby Fell

The area is a vague rise to the south of Ponsonby Fell's summit. The snow-scattered mountains in the distance lie between Wasdale and Ennerdale; Seatallan is the isolated peak to the right.

Trevor Littlewood

Walling at Stone Pike

There's nothing of a pike at Stone Pike. The location is just a minor rise to the south of Swainson Knott in a large area enclosed by a semi-ruinous dry stone wall; part of that wall is seen in the image. In the distance, Seatallan is seen to the left with Illgill Head and Whin Rigg centre and right.

Trevor Littlewood

Grassy moorland of Ponsonby Fell

The gently declining northern slope of the hill just north of the summit with the slightly higher Swainson Knott beyond.

Trevor Littlewood

Ponsonby Fell

Parked opposite ford to Laverock Hall, then reasonable going to Ponsonby Fell, Stone Pike and Swainson Knott. Grey day. Name: Ponsonby Fell Hill number: 2509 Height: 315m / 1033ft Area: 34B: Lake District - Central & Western Fells Class: WO,B Grid ref: NY 08197 07024 Summit feature: cairn Drop: 34m Col: 281m NY080074

Rude Health

Skalderscew Beck Waterfall

Came across this waterfall while exploring a ravine below Gait Kirk

Chris Bird

Skalderskew Beck ravine

Skalderskew Beck a ravine below Gait Kirk

Chris Bird

The summit of Ponsonby Fell

Swainson Knott in the distance.

David Purchase

The south slopes of Ponsonby Fell

Black Combe SD1385, the most southerly hill in the Lake District, is directly ahead in the distance.

David Purchase

Stone Pike

This rather insignificant hill on the slopes of Swainson Knott is a 'Birkett'. The summit is somewhere within an elliptical drystone wall. Calder Hall, or Seascales, or Sellafield, or whatever you like to call it, dominates the view to the coast.

David Purchase