The history and future of Nenthead Mines

The Nent Valley, south of Alston, is a quiet area surrounded by the beauty of the North Pennines National Landscape, but closer inspection reveals a setting almost entirely shaped by thousands of years of lead, silver and zinc ore mining and processing.

As England’s highest village (at 450m a.m.s.l.), Nenthead and its nucleated mine and smelt works lay at the centre of these activities following construction of the village in 1825 by the Quaker owned London Lead Company. Following peak activity in the 19th century, falling lead prices led to operations ceasing by the 1970s.

Today, the Nenthead mining complex is regarded as the most intact mining landscape within the North Pennines, as well as playing host to nationally important ecology and geology.

This field visit will allow RGS members to explore above and below ground sections of the Nenthead Mine with guidance and expert insight into the history, industry and geology of the area from members of the Nenthead Mines Conservation Society.

James Fielding from the Tyne Rivers Trust will also be on hand to explain the impact of historic mining activity of aquatic ecology and the nationally import calaminarian vegetation habitats.

About the leader

The tour will be led by Peter Jackson, Nenthead Mines Conservation, and James Fielding, North East regional committee and Tyne Rivers Trust.

Event information

The trip will involve uneven terrain, and above and below ground tours of the facilities. There will be time for lunch in the bothy (or outside, if the weather is good).

Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the activity and weather (boots/good shoes, layers, and waterproof jacket). Please also bring along a packed lunch and something to drink, as we will not be visiting a shop or café during the trip.

This event is not suitable for under 18's. 

Booking information

• Advance booking for this event is required. In order to book you will need an account on our website. If you already have an account you will be prompted to log in when you click 'book now'. Please create an account if you do not have one yet (you do not need to be a member of the Society to create an account).
• Tickets are £12. Please book by 9.00am on Monday 11 May.
• We do not issue tickets (electronic or physical) for this event. Instead your name will be on a list at the door.
• Your contact details (name and mobile phone number) will be shared with the event organiser in case of emergency or last-minute change to the event. The event organiser will delete all of the information provided by you within seven days of the event taking place.
• If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that will affect your ability to participate in this visit (including any dietary allergies) please let us know events@rgs.org

If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please email events@rgs.org

This event has been organised by the North East regional committee.