Sikehead Mine Chimneys
Chimney In Blanchland, Northumberland
Two chimneys remaining from the Sikehead mine set on Ramshaw Moors
Having just spent the morning in Blanchland visiting the Shildon Engine Room we were headed down to Barnard Castle over the Pennines when we spotted a chimney in the distance on the moors.
So naturally we ditched the car and whipped the monocular out to have a bit of a gander, but realised there were actually two chimneys. We were on the clock today and the first chimney looked well over a kilometre away, so rather than impeding our itinerary for the day, we cheated a bit and sent Red5 drone to investigate instead.
As you may have read in our other posts, the North East was a mining hotbed ad this area was perfect for lead mining. The mine associated with these 2 chimneys was called the Sikehead Mine and just a short distance away was the Killhope Mine.
The chimney has a bit of damage to the top, which is remarkable to think it has survived here on the Ramshaw Moors through the north east weather!
In the same way as the Allendale Chimneys, this 15m high chimney was the end of a flue system that was originally part of the Jeffrey Smelt Mill. Each year, the lovely job of scaling the interior of the chimney would be undertaken to scrape off the condensed lead vapour (or fume) for re-smelting. Any volunteers?
The first chimney sits next to the a dam and there was apparently another before it was drained.
Further along was another chimney which was for the pump house which housed the Cornish steam engine for one of the two mine shafts.
Definetly a walk for next time, but if you want more information from the ground level then check out this article from Two Local Explorers.
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How To Find Sikehead Mine Chimneys
Where Is Sikehead Mine Chimneys?
Lat / Long
54.814158, -2.066035
What three words
Where To Park For Sikehead Mine Chimneys?
Lat / Long
54.822701, 54.822701
What three words
Large bit of land off the road to park your car.
Contributed by Simon Hawkins
Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue pele tower up a remote hill, a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.
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More Chimneys
So this chimney wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Rookhope Arch
Chimney Bishop Auckland County DurhamOne of the remaining arches carrying a two mile horizontal chimney as part of a flue system.
Allendale Chimneys
Chimney Allendale NorthumberlandTwo chimneys that were part of the Allen Lead Smelt Mill flue system.
Copley Chimney
Chimney Bishop Auckland County DurhamA 35m tall chimney that was part of the Gaunless Valley Lead Mill.
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