Map Symbols and Terms Explained
When we’re planning walks and exploring Teesdale, maps are always our starting point.
But maps can feel confusing at first. Between modern symbols on Ordnance Survey maps and older language on historic maps, it’s easy to wonder what things actually mean.
This page is our simple guide to the symbols and phrases we come across while exploring Teesdale. From mining terms like hush and level, to everyday map markings such as footpaths and open access land, everything here is explained in plain English.
We often use Hiiker to switch between modern, historic and satellite maps, and combine that with old newspaper research from the Teesdale Mercury Archive to better understand the places we visit.
There’s no jargon here and no assumptions. Just a growing reference you can dip into whenever something on a map catches your eye.
Whether you’re new to reading maps or simply curious about Teesdale’s landscape and history, we hope this helps you explore with more confidence.
Modern map symbols (what you actually see)
Open access land
Pale yellow shaded areas. You’re allowed to walk freely on foot.
Public footpath (FP)
Green dashed line. Walkers only. Legal right of way.
Bridleway
Longer green dashes. Walkers, horse riders and cyclists.
Short dashed black line
Path or track (not always a legal right of way).
Solid black line
Wall or field boundary.
Green area with tree symbols
Woodland.
Thin blue line
Stream or beck.
Brown contour lines
Show hills and valleys. Lines closer together mean steeper ground.
Brown or orange thick line
Main road.
Railway line
Two solid parallel black lines, often with short cross-bars (sleepers) between them. Trains still use this line.
Dismantled railway
Usually shown as a single thin black or grey line, often with the word “Dismantled” written alongside. Rails removed. Often now used as walking tracks or green corridors.
P
Parking (always check locally).
Navigation and small map symbols
FB / FBs
Footbridge or footbridges.
Ford
Shallow river crossing.
Spr
Spring (natural water source).
Cairn
Small pile of stones marking a route or high point.
Natural landscape terms around Teesdale
Beck
Small stream.
Gill
Narrow valley or ravine.
Force
Waterfall.
Plantation
Planted woodland.
Crag
Steep rocky outcrop.
Shake holes
Natural limestone collapse hollows.
Grouse butts
Low stone shelters on moorland.
Bield
Stone shelter for animals or people.
Historic mining and industry terms
Old level / Level entry
Horizontal tunnel driven into hillside.
Level dis
Disused drainage level.
Shaft / shart
Vertical mine opening.
Workings dis
Disused mining ground.
Quarry
Open stone excavation.
Hush
Man-made water channel used to expose lead veins.
Gutter
Mining drainage channel.
Tip dis
Disused spoil heap.
Tramway
Historic mineral transport route.
Settlement
Small group of buildings or historic site.
How we use this in real life
When something catches our eye on a map, we usually check access first, then look at contour lines, streams and old features before heading out.
We combine modern mapping with historic layers in Hiiker, and often research places using the Teesdale Mercury Archive to understand what used to be here.
Not every explore turns into something dramatic, but every walk teaches us something new.
We always stick to public rights of way or open access land, and avoid sharing locations that pass through farmyards or close to private homes. Teesdale is a working landscape, and exploring should always go hand in hand with respect.