cleughs

A cleugh is a geological feature, specifically a steep-sided ravine or gorge, often found in the hills or moorlands of Northern England and Scotland. These landforms are typically carved by the erosive action of water, such as a stream or burn, over long periods. The term "cleugh" is of Scots and Old English origin, related to words meaning "cliff" or "ravine."

Cleughs are characterized by their narrowness and the steep, often rocky or scree-covered slopes that descend into them. The presence of a stream at the bottom is common, though some cleughs may be dry. Vegetation can vary greatly, from sparse mosses and hardy grasses clinging to the rock faces to more established trees and shrubs in the sheltered environment of the ravine floor.

These natural formations can present challenging terrain for walkers and hikers, often requiring careful navigation. They can also serve as important habitats for specific flora and fauna adapted to the sheltered, often damp conditions. In some regions, cleughs have also played a historical role in local industry, for example, as sites for small-scale mining or as sources of water. The distinctive landscape of cleughs contributes to the character of the moorland and hill country where they are found.