Swin Hope

Valley in Northumberland

England

Swin Hope

Carriers' Way south of Dodd Reservoir A hill walker on the Carriers&#039; Way heading towards Killhope Law, the hill to the right side of the image. Dodd Reservoir is above the camera position, also to the right, but out of view. — Carriers' Way south of Dodd Reservoir Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Swin Hope is a small valley located in Northumberland, a county in the northeast of England. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Swin Hope offers a tranquil and idyllic setting for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

The valley is characterized by its lush green meadows, rolling hills, and meandering streams that flow through its heart. It is surrounded by dense woodlands, providing a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife lovers. Swin Hope is particularly known for its rich birdlife, with species such as red grouse, skylarks, and curlews being commonly spotted.

The area is also known for its ancient history, with evidence of human presence dating back thousands of years. The remains of prehistoric settlements and burial mounds can be found scattered throughout the valley, offering insights into the region's past.

Swin Hope attracts visitors seeking outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. The valley is crisscrossed by well-maintained trails, providing ample opportunities to explore its natural beauty. Additionally, the nearby Swinburne Castle ruins offer a glimpse into the area's architectural heritage.

Although Swin Hope is relatively secluded, it is within easy reach of nearby towns and villages, including Hexham and Haltwhistle, where visitors can find amenities such as accommodations, restaurants, and shops.

Overall, Swin Hope is a hidden gem in Northumberland, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and discover the rich history of this beautiful region.

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Swin Hope Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.820843/-2.2604462 or Grid Reference NY8347. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Carriers' Way south of Dodd Reservoir

A hill walker on the Carriers' Way heading towards Killhope Law, the hill to the right side of the image. Dodd Reservoir is above the camera position, also to the right, but out of view.

Trevor Littlewood

Road crossing ford of River East Allen

There's a mere trickle of water across the concrete of the ford near to Low Huntwell on this occasion but the water depth indicator to the right of the crossing suggests a depth of up to six feet might be possible: a frightening prospect!

Trevor Littlewood

Coatenhill Reservoir

Coatenhill Reservoir is one of a number constructed to supply water for power generation in the lead mines of East Allendale. It's in use now as a fishing lake.

Trevor Littlewood

Philipson's Fold

Philipson's Fold is on moorland overlooking East Allendale and is probably not actually a sheepfold. A sheepfold is a pen of some kind which can be used to confine animals. The structure here is in the form of a distorted 'H' shape and is probably more of a shelter about which sheep could gather for protection from weather coming from any direction.

Trevor Littlewood

Bare ground of stream side adjacent to Nan Davison's Cleugh

The cleugh is just out of view beyond the bare ground, descending left to right. A bridleway, the route of the Isaac Tea Trail, runs along the right edge of the groove; it can be seen in the distance emerging from the stream's valley.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland below route of bridleway

The heather and grass moorland is on a slope descending towards Swin Hope, a tributary valley of East Allendale; that main valley lies beyond the middle-distance ridge. The village of Allenheads is there, below the coniferous plantations.

Trevor Littlewood

Bridleway crossing moorland beside Blackway Head

The bridleway is passing the minor moorland rise on its west side; it's also the route used by the named walk, Isaac's Tea Trail.

Trevor Littlewood

Road beside 'protected verge'

An unusual notice beside the road: it tells that the verge is being 'positively managed' by Northumberland County Council to conserve wild plants. It gives no added information as to what measures are being taken or how the public should act as a result.

Trevor Littlewood

Black Way heading north

Black Way is a hill road on the west side of East Allendale. It's also the route used by the named walk, Isaac's Tea Trail which has joined it just behind the camera position.

Trevor Littlewood

St Peter's Church & Corn Mill from east

There is a similar view c.1905 on the website of the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link

Archive Link

Andrew Curtis

Site of Allenheads Smelt Mill (Lead), Dirt Pot

On the right side of the photo is the road which leads over the moors to Coalcleugh. The terraced houses known as Slag Hill can be seen in the distance on the right. The remains of Mill Dam, (now filled with reeds) can be seen just left of the existing building (possibly the smeltmill peat store). The other masonry structure is in the centre just below the reservoir. The course of the horizontal flue can be seen extending to the left, directly below the lefthand end of the Mill Dam.

Andrew Curtis

Buildings at site of Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill

"Lead smelting mill built by the Blacketts in the early 18th century. By 1821 it had three ore hearths, one roasting furnace, and one slag hearth in operation. The mill closed in 1870. Surviving remains consist of a 3118m long flue, a row of deserted cottages and an overgrown reservoir. The mill was mainly for smelted ores for Allenheads and Coalcleugh mines, but was kept to working capacity by ores from Weardale mines. The mill closed in 1870. It had horizontal flues 3410 yards (3118m) long for carrying off the fumes." Northumberland HER (7251): Link

Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link

OS 25 inch published 1897: Link

The large stone building (which remains in use) is shown in the same location on the first edition 6" OS and may retain parts of an original building of the smeltmill. The ruined stonework to its south is also on in the location of an older building although this is shown as a sheepwash on the 2nd edition 25" OS (Published: 1897) and in a photo (c.1967) from the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link

Archive Link

The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.

Andrew Curtis

Remains of flue near Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill

Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link

OS 25 inch published 1897: Link

Archive Link

The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.

Andrew Curtis

Site of Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill from west

Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link

OS 25 inch published 1897: Link

Archive Link

The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.

Andrew Curtis

Remains of structure at site of Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill

Shown as a 'sheepwash' on early Ordnance Survey sheets but the old OS maps suggest that it was built on the remains of an earlier structure of the Lead Smelt Mill. "The sheep dip was situated on the site of the Smelt Mill. It was on the south side of Slag Hill, just below the dam, which held the water for the Mill. The sheep dip was filled from this dam by releasing a sluice gate allowing water to flow through a pipe into the dip. The sheep were first put in this area below the dip and then put into the large metal bath by a farmer. In the bath they were held in and had their heads put in by another farmer. They then climbed out, shook themselves and dripped there until they were released back onto the fell through a small gate to the right of the picture. As they went out one at a time they were counted. They were dipped in August during the war years but twice a year in the 1950’s. This sheep dip was used by all the farmers in Allenheads and Sparty Lea." Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link

Archive Link

Andrew Curtis

Burnfoot, Allenheads

Burnfoot Farmhouse and barn were built in the late 17th century. An inscription above a lintel reads: ANNO DOMINI 1678 with the initials 'W D'. The house was altered in the late 18th century and the barn added in the early 19th century. Burnfoot is a Grade II Listed Building (1154819): Link

The house on the hill behind is Hammershield NY8447 : Hammershield Farm

Andrew Curtis