Greenmere Head

Landscape Feature in Durham

England

Greenmere Head

Road to Crook's Altar Westgate to Rookhope road. — Road to Crook's Altar Credit: Ashley Dace

Greenmere Head is a prominent landscape feature located in Durham, England. Situated near the village of Greenmere, it is a notable hill that stands at an elevation of approximately 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level. The hill is characterized by its distinctive conical shape and is a popular attraction for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Covered in lush green vegetation, Greenmere Head offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. From the summit, visitors can admire the picturesque Durham Dales, with its rolling hills, dense woodlands, and meandering rivers. On clear days, it is even possible to see as far as the distant Pennine Mountains to the west.

The hill is part of the larger North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, recognized for its exceptional landscapes and diverse wildlife. Greenmere Head itself is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including heather, bilberries, and various bird species such as curlews and lapwings.

The area surrounding Greenmere Head is rich in history, with evidence of ancient settlements and human activity dating back thousands of years. The hill is also dotted with remnants of old mining operations, a reminder of the region's industrial past.

Accessible by footpaths and trails, Greenmere Head offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Durham and experience the tranquility of the countryside. Whether it is for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Greenmere Head is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the stunning landscapes of Durham.

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Greenmere Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.76475/-2.1241599 or Grid Reference NY9241. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Road to Crook's Altar

Westgate to Rookhope road.

Ashley Dace

Westgate Heights Pastures

On the run down from Scarsike junction to Westgate.

Stanley Howe

Dry stone wall near to Park Burn

Park Burn is on the far side of the wall and descends close to the line of it into Weardale. The hillside in the distance is the southern slope of Weardale and there can be seen the now disused and landscaped quarry which once supplied limestone to the Blue Circle cement works at Eastgate. There's a working quarry - Heights Quarry - just out of view to the left side of the image; it's likely that the small building is connected with that or another extractive operation.

Trevor Littlewood

Bridge over Rookhope Burn

The bridge carries the farm access road for Wolf Cleugh, the buildings of which can be seen high on the slope at the left side of the image.

Trevor Littlewood

Lintzgarth Arch

Clive Nicholson

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

Boundary wall near Crow's Cleugh

Andrew Curtis

Ruined wall in Walton's Allotment

Walton's Allotment is a moorland enclosure high on slopes falling to the valley of the Middlehope Burn. The distant view is across the upper valley to Black Hill and Burtree Fell.

Trevor Littlewood

Sheep above wall in Middle Hope

Animals on a snowed slope adjacent to a rough hill road climbing out of the valley; the finger post indicates that the route is also a public right of way.

Trevor Littlewood

Guide stone and fence line at Scarsike Head

Scarsike Head is a crossing point of a minor road between Rook Hope and Weardale reaching 539 m. The boundary stone there had been noted by the photographer many years ago; there were inscriptions on some of the faces, perhaps all of them. And then some time ago the stone was seen to be missing, perhaps stolen for use as a display ornament! On this visit however, the stone was found to have been replaced following an absence of many years. It appears to have been cleaned but perhaps too thoroughly; the inscriptions seem to be decidedly less clear than previously!

Trevor Littlewood

Chimney flue, Rookhope

The flue connected a lead smelting plant to the Rookhope Chimney to take the lead fumes up the hillside.

David Robinson

Rookhope Arch

The remaining arch of a series that carried a flue from the lead smelting plant to the rookhope chimney, directing fumes up the hillside for release away from the village.

David Robinson

Circular reservoir above Rookhope village

The small reservoir lies on the moorland of Smailsburn Common south-west of the village.

Trevor Littlewood

Old Guide Stone by Scarsike Head, Stanhope parish

Eggleston Guidestone by the UC road, in parish of Stanhope (Wear Valley District), Scarsike Head, North of Westgate; East of T-junction, at corner of first wall. See listing for inscriptions. Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1232200 Link

Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: DU_XSSH