Gunnerside Gill

The site of intensive lead mining in the 18th and 19th centuries, the valley still contains much evidence of its industrial past.

Streams were dammed, and the water released as a torrent to scour soil off the surface and reveal lead ore (galena) seams.

Large areas of the upper valley are covered in spoil heaps from the mining activity, and a number of buildings remain.

[2] The Sir Francis mine opened further down the valley in 1864 to exploit deeper seams, and was the first to use compressed air drills.

[4] As the valley descends southwards the scenery changes from the industrial to become a mixture of woodland and sheep pastures, before the beck joins the River Swale in the village of Gunnerside.

Upper reaches of the gill, showing the remains of Blakethwaite Smelt Mill.
The Sir Francis Mine in the lower reaches of the gill. The building to the right is the remains of the mine offices.