Top 8 Natural Monuments around Ponteland

Northumberlandia (Lady Of The North) 115.3m P55.3 (378ft) (DoBIH Hill ID: 16083) [JNSA 23759] County of Northumberland Definitive List summit.

The "Northumberlandia" project owes its origins to open-cast mining: The earth lying above the mineral resources to be mined (e.g., coal seams) – known in technical terms as "overburden" – is typically stored on a so-called "overburden dump." Europe's largest artificial mountain, "Sophienhöhe," was created this way in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. As a landscape project, the overburden was used to create a reclining female figure called "Northumberlandia." However, from a ground perspective, little will be visible on site. To experience the outline of the sculpture of the lady, also known as the "Lady of the North," there is a plan sketch on the official website, which I have imported into the komoot image gallery (source: https://www.northumberlandia.com/ ).

The region has been a hub for casual recreation for decades, evolving into a designated country park in 1984 to safeguard its distinctive ecology, eventually attaining Local Nature Reserve status in 2006. Accessible by bus, with stops at Hartford Hall, Bedlington Front Street, and beside The Bank Top public house in Bedlington Station, the park also offers three convenient car parks: Furnace Bridge, Bedlington Bank's base at Attlee Park, and Humford Mill. Pedestrian access is facilitated through Spring Park Road, Church Lane leading to Humford Mill, and Hartford Hall, with the latter featuring a charming children's play area and picnic spots. The valley's industrial heritage dates back to sandstone quarrying, now concealed by foliage, while the Bedlington iron and engine works (1736-1867) once thrived as a crucial industrial site, producing locomotives including the first to depart Kings Cross and those marking inaugural train journeys in Holland and Italy. Adjacent to Furnace Bridge and north of the river lies Free Wood, distinguishing itself by its free accessibility, in contrast to the Ha'penny Wood on the river's south bank. Attlee Park, adjacent to Bedlington Bridge, honors Clement Richard Attlee, former Labour Party leader and Prime Minister, hosting events like the Northumberland Miners’ Picnic. Further upstream, Humford Mill offers a picturesque setting, featuring stepping stones for river crossing and an erstwhile open-air swimming pool post-pumping station closure. Nestled at the park's western edge, Hartford Hall, constructed in 1807 and later refurbished into a Victorian mansion, once served as a miners’ rehabilitation center, its historic significance separate from the country park.

Welcome to the Punch Bowl, a notable geological feature. It consists of a hollow depression on top of the large rock, naturally formed but enlarged by human intervention. To reach it, you'll need to climb up the side of the rock, so be cautious as it's a considerable drop. When facing the Punch Bowl, you'll notice a small boulder on the right known as the Piper's Chair. Give it a try and you'll understand why it's called that.

The Memorial Tree Garden is part of the Tyne Riverside Country Park, it's a quiet area of grass and trees dedicated to various people and causes. This is also the area where the Scottish army amassed in 1640 before winning the battle of Newburn Ford, sending the English army into retreat, taking Newcastle and ultimately causing the start of the English Civil War a couple of years later.

Yes it's good little read 👍a bit worm today.

Lovely spot to observe the numerous trees that have been planted from all around the world and to visit the sensory garden

Excellent for hill training 3 different ways up, (or down) smooth path(easy) or gravel track (medium) and rough grass for the mountain bikers, (hard). Good views and 3 drill bits at the top.