Tips
Willem VS
July 24, 2025
Cycling
The Spetchells are three elongated man-made mounds of chalk waste, created between 1941 and 1967 as a by-product of an ICI factory in Prudhoe, which produced ammonium sulphate for fertilizers and explosives. Although originally industrial waste, they now form Northumberland's largest chalk grassland habitat, supporting rare flora and fauna such as solitary bees and the endangered Dingy Skipper butterfly. They are part of Tyne Riverside Country Park, where they are managed by local voluntary conservation groups.
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Marty McG
February 5, 2022
Cycling
The Spetchells are chalk waste heaps from a chemical factory that operated on a nearby site until the mid-1960s. The name comes from old maps that refer to this area of land as the ‘spetchells’.
Although the heaps are not natural, they now provide Northumberland's largest area of chalk grassland habitat. The wide range of flowers attracts many species of common and, occasionally, rare butterflies
Although the heaps are not natural, they now provide Northumberland's largest area of chalk grassland habitat. The wide range of flowers attracts many species of common and, occasionally, rare butterflies
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Nearby routes
Best routes near The Spetchells Chalk Grassland
5.0
(1)
6
riders
5.28km
00:19
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Easy
Details
Informations
Elevation 10 m
Weather
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Wednesday 7 October
12°C
3°C
48 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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