Swinner Gill Lead Mine

Swinner Gill Lead Mine is one of the many ruinous lead mines in Swaledale. It is named after the tributary that flows past the mine and onward into the River Swale.

Swinner Gill Lead Mine was built in the late 1740's and was active until the mid 1830's. The area featured numerous mines and structures related to lead extraction, smelting, and processing. The mine was built where the East Grain Beck drops down by a waterfall to Swinner Gill. This is where the galena was mined, galena being the primary ore of lead.

Swinner Gill had its own Smelting Mill, built by Thomas Hopper & Co who leased neighbouring mines. The Mill was operational by 1807, however it is shown as disused in a 1850's map. The company also smelted at the neighbouring Beldi Hill Smelting Mill (next to Crackpot Hall), so this must have continued once Swinner Gill Mill had ceased operating.

By 1832, over 1964 tons of ore had been extracted.

In the mid 1830's production ceased, although there were attempts at mining here in the 1860's & 70's.

Today the ruinous buildings, spoil heaps and mines themselves are still evident.

To get to Swinner Gill Lead Mine, you will have already visited East Gill Force and Crackport Hall on your travels. You may also choose to carry on further to reach the summit of Rogan's Seat.

From Crackpot Hall continue along the path heading east. Go through a gate and follow the path northeast. This section of path is on a steep slope, so please be careful.

The path drops down and passes over a small bridge before rising once again to the lead mine.

It's a lovely sheltered spot. The waterfall and ruinous buildings make it great for a break or packed lunch stop.

It is just under 3km to the mine with 150m of ascent, including a small section of path that is on a steep slope.

Follow the above route, or find on OS Maps.