Loups's Plantation

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire

England

Loups's Plantation

Heading South from West Stoney Keld This bridleway links two alternative versions of the Pennine Way - the main way which crosses the A66 via an underpass at Pasture End, and the Bowes alternative which ascends to West Stoney Keld. This view is just after leaving the estate track west of West Stoney Keld heading towards the A66 and, in our case, a loop back round to Bowes over a mixture of public and permissive footpaths. I suspect it is not much used by walkers (nor cyclists or equestrians) but sees most traffic in its northern half, where it takes clients to a line of grouse butts half a kilometre to the SW of the point from which this shot was taken. It certainly gets fainter beyond them, though is still readily followed in good visibility. — Heading South from West Stoney Keld Credit: Andy Waddington

Loups's Plantation, located in Yorkshire, is a picturesque woodland area known for its dense forest and natural beauty. Situated in the heart of the county, this plantation covers a vast area of woodlands, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The plantation is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, providing a rich ecosystem for the local wildlife. The forest is predominantly made up of native trees such as oak, beech, and birch, which create a stunning canopy of foliage throughout the year. The woodland floor is adorned with a variety of wildflowers, adding bursts of color to the landscape.

Loups's Plantation offers several well-maintained trails and walking paths, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders. These paths wind through the forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The plantation also features picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy a day out in nature.

Birdwatching is a popular activity in Loups's Plantation, as it houses a wide range of bird species. Visitors can spot birds such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds, making it an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts and photographers.

Overall, Loups's Plantation in Yorkshire is a haven for nature lovers, offering a serene and tranquil environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its lush forest, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to reconnect with nature.

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Loups's Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.545628/-2.0487527 or Grid Reference NY9616. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Heading South from West Stoney Keld

This bridleway links two alternative versions of the Pennine Way - the main way which crosses the A66 via an underpass at Pasture End, and the Bowes alternative which ascends to West Stoney Keld. This view is just after leaving the estate track west of West Stoney Keld heading towards the A66 and, in our case, a loop back round to Bowes over a mixture of public and permissive footpaths. I suspect it is not much used by walkers (nor cyclists or equestrians) but sees most traffic in its northern half, where it takes clients to a line of grouse butts half a kilometre to the SW of the point from which this shot was taken. It certainly gets fainter beyond them, though is still readily followed in good visibility.

Andy Waddington

Stonykeld Spring

A gated stone structure is built above Stonykeld spring in a shallow hollow at Stoney Keld. A significant flow of water can be heard at the spring, though the quality of the water may be debatable as the northern slopes that bound the depression are on the edge of the former RAF Bowes Moor, the RAF's chemical weapons storage facility during and shortly after WWII.

David Robinson

Remains of World War II tank

The remains of the tank lie on moorland north of the MOD Battle Hill Range and south-west of the trig point of Currack Rigg. An item in the Northern Echo of 03 January 2021, tells that this is the wreckage of a Valentine Mk III, Second World War tank built by Vickers-Armstrong. However, although an item on Andy Beck's website, (Link

), gives that same information, further into the article doubt is cast upon the identification. There are references from the web page to a Wikipedia entry and a comment at the end by one, Dave Middlemas, giving a different origin altogether. Worth reading.

Trevor Littlewood

Ruins at East Loups's

The name Loups's, occurs several times within the MOD's Battle Hill range which, it's understood was created at the time of WWII for troop training. Both East and West Loups's are in ruins.

Trevor Littlewood

Ruins at West Loups's

The extensive ruins lie within the MOD training area at Battle Hill which it's understood was taken for troop training during WWII. The unusual sign in the foreground declares the vicinity to be an 'Archaeological Area'. One of the symbols on the notice appears to ban digging: probably best avoided in a military area anyway!

Trevor Littlewood

Bridleway passing through rushes

The walker ahead in the image is on the short grass of a bridleway heading along or towards Ladyfold Rigg. In this area the word Rigg appears a number of times on maps and applies to ridges separated by shallow valleys running more or less parallel to one another.

Trevor Littlewood

Sheep on slope near to Battle Hill

The sheep, a Texel, is on a slope descending into the valley of a minor stream, Stable Sike. A path descends close to the stream before crossing the moorland of the MOD's Battle Hill training area.

Trevor Littlewood

Grassy track beside wall climbing from stream crossing

The track is presumably in use by the nearby farm at Battle Hill. A public footpath follows the line of the wall soon to enter an MOD training area, also named Battle Hill. Apparently, the name Battle Hill was in place before the MOD began to use of the land and the naming is coincidental.

Trevor Littlewood

Lone tree and dry stone walling

A tree with various sections of dry stone walling at Long Rigg near Loups's Hill; Goldsborough is in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Footbridge Over How Beck

David Robinson

Footpath Across How Beck Gully

David Robinson

Battle Hill Firing Range

The range is crossed by several public rights of way. The gate here guards the bridleway that crosses the range. Access is allowed unless red flags and lights indicate that the range is active.

David Robinson

Gritstone Crags On Goldsborough

Goldsborough stands as an outcrop above the rather desolate Cotherstone Moor and is passed by the Pennine Way, albeit the less walked Bowes Loop.

David Robinson

Old kiln on Loups's Hill

David Robinson

Ruins of East Loups's farm

David Robinson

Grouse butt beside track near East Loups's

David Robinson

Approaching storm near West Loups's (sic)

West Loups's is a farm location behind the camera position; it's now in ruins. Rain is approaching. Some had already crossed but much more was to come from the threatening cloud over the moorland to the west. The view beyond the wall and gate to the rock-girt feature of Goldsborough.

Trevor Littlewood

Vehicle track winding north over moorland

The track winds north from a location close to the ruins of a farm known as West Loups's (sic). The moorland is within the MOD range at Battle Hill. It's doubtful that there's any military activity in this part of the range but there is a rifle range to the east which sees some use, including civilian.

Trevor Littlewood

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Loups's Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NY9616 (Lat: 54.545628, Lng: -2.0487527)

Division: North Riding

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham