A Journey Through the Yorkshire Dales – Lead Mines, Rugged Landscapes, and Forgotten Farmsteads

Today was one of those days that will live long in the memory. Venturing deep into the Yorkshire Dales, I explored some of the region’s most historically significant lead mines, took in breathtaking moors and valleys, and climbed some seriously challenging hills. The day began in Gunnerside, Swaledale, an area renowned for its industrial heritage and remote beauty.

The Yorkshire Dales was once a hub of lead mining, with evidence of the industry still scattered across the hillsides. These landscapes tell a story of hardship, resilience, and the changing fortunes of rural communities. Alongside the mining sites, abandoned farm buildings added another layer to the day’s exploration, standing as reminders of a time when families lived and worked in these harsh but beautiful surroundings.

Gunnerside Lead Mine

Gunnerside Lead Mine is one of the most significant remnants of Swaledale’s lead mining history. The mine, along with the wider Gunnerside Gill workings, formed part of a vast network of lead extraction sites that were active from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The area was known for its rich deposits of galena, the primary ore of lead, which was extracted through a series of shafts, levels, and open-cut workings.

The mine was operated by several different companies over the years, but the most notable developments came in the early 19th century when advanced mining techniques allowed deeper extraction. The site contains the remains of dressing floors, where ore was crushed and processed, along with old spoil heaps, ruined buildings, and collapsed entrances to underground workings. Gunnerside was once a bustling industrial landscape, but with the decline of lead mining in the late 19th century, the site was gradually abandoned.

Flying the drone over Gunnerside Lead Mine revealed the sheer scale of the workings. The remains of stone buildings and processing areas stood out starkly against the surrounding hills. The contrast between the rugged, untouched landscape and the industrial scars left behind made for dramatic imagery. From the ground, the intricate stonework of the ruined structures gave a sense of how much effort had gone into extracting the valuable ore from the hills. The harsh weather and remote location made it clear just how challenging life must have been for the miners who once worked here.

Bunton Lead Mine

Bunton Lead Mine is another important site within Swaledale’s lead mining history, though it is far less well known than Gunnerside. The mine operated during the 18th and 19th centuries, producing lead ore that was transported via packhorses and later tramways to smelting sites further down the valley. The site contains evidence of early mining techniques, with shallow shafts and open workings visible on the hillside.

One of the most striking features of Bunton Lead Mine is the series of ruined buildings that once housed the miners and their equipment. Unlike some of the larger mines, which had more advanced infrastructure, Bunton was a smaller-scale operation, but it still played a crucial role in the local economy. The mine eventually closed as the industry declined, leaving behind a collection of structures that now blend into the moorland.

The aerial shots captured the isolation of the site, with its ruins surrounded by open hills. The grey skies and shifting light conditions created a dramatic backdrop, enhancing the feeling of abandonment. On foot, the mine’s old buildings and spoil heaps were fascinating to explore, with remnants of stone walls standing defiantly against the elements. The landscape here has an almost timeless quality, where nature and history intertwine in a way that few places still do.

Abandoned Farm Buildings – Winterings Edge

On the return journey to Gunnerside, I followed the high route along Winterings Edge, a stunning ridge offering incredible views across Swaledale. Along this route, a series of abandoned farm buildings dotted the landscape, each with its own story to tell. These buildings, likely dating back several centuries, were once home to hill farmers who lived and worked in extreme conditions.

The farm buildings here reflect the traditional style of Swaledale’s agricultural past, with thick stone walls built to withstand the harsh winters. Many of these structures would have been used as both living spaces and animal shelters, particularly during lambing season. The decline of upland farming and the changing economic landscape led to their abandonment, leaving only their weathered remains as a testament to those who once called these hills home.

Aerial photography provided a unique perspective on these forgotten farmsteads, showing how they fit into the wider landscape. From above, their isolated positions became even more apparent, highlighting just how remote and self-sufficient these farms must have been. The drone also captured the intricate patterns of old field boundaries, dry stone walls, and trackways, giving a glimpse into how the land was once worked. On foot, the crumbling stone walls and empty doorways had an eerie beauty, especially as the late afternoon light cast long shadows across the moors.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today’s journey through the Yorkshire Dales was as physically demanding as it was rewarding. The history of lead mining and upland farming in this area is written into the landscape, with every ruined building and abandoned mine telling a story of resilience and hardship. The sheer scale of the industrial activity that once dominated these valleys is staggering, yet today, the silence and vast open spaces create a powerful contrast.

Despite the tough climbs and biting cold, it was a privilege to capture these locations and bring their stories to life. There is still so much more to explore in this remarkable part of the country, and I’ll definitely be returning to uncover more of its hidden history.