Gunnerside and the Old Gang
As one of the two major lead mining areas in the Yorkshire Dales, this walk is an absolute gem for anyone interested in mining or simply keen to find out more about the area’s history, taking in two now-quiet valleys crammed full of evidence of their busier past.
We begin from the village of Gunnerside and tackle our sharpest ascent through farmland onto an open ridge overlooking the Swaledale valley. We’ll have a good view of the Surrender Smelt Mill before following the remote feeling Mill Gill to an early lunch break and close up exploration of the biggest smelt mill site: Old Gang. From here our gradual climb continues onto the moor and introduces us to an older mining method, ‘hushing’. Our path takes us through the main Old Gang Mine site before a steady traverse along the side of Gunnerside Gill with fantastic views across this small valley and its own former workings, back to our starting point.
9.5 miles (15km) with 1750 feet (540m) of ascent & the same in descent
This walk includes long sections of open moorland with exposure to the elements so please ensure you have ankle supporting boots, waterproofs/spare layers/hat & gloves. Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
We begin from the village of Gunnerside and tackle our sharpest ascent through farmland onto an open ridge overlooking the Swaledale valley. We’ll have a good view of the Surrender Smelt Mill before following the remote feeling Mill Gill to an early lunch break and close up exploration of the biggest smelt mill site: Old Gang. From here our gradual climb continues onto the moor and introduces us to an older mining method, ‘hushing’. Our path takes us through the main Old Gang Mine site before a steady traverse along the side of Gunnerside Gill with fantastic views across this small valley and its own former workings, back to our starting point.
9.5 miles (15km) with 1750 feet (540m) of ascent & the same in descent
This walk includes long sections of open moorland with exposure to the elements so please ensure you have ankle supporting boots, waterproofs/spare layers/hat & gloves. Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.