Goat Cleugh

Valley in Northumberland

England

Goat Cleugh

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

Goat Cleugh is a picturesque valley located in the county of Northumberland, England. Situated in the northern part of the county, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. The valley is nestled between rolling hills and is characterized by its lush greenery, meandering streams, and diverse wildlife.

The name "Goat Cleugh" originates from the Old Norse language, with "cleugh" meaning a narrow, steep-sided valley. This aptly describes the topography of the area, as the valley is indeed narrow and enclosed by steep slopes on either side.

The valley is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers, offering numerous walking trails that showcase the area's natural wonders. Visitors can explore the valley's dense woodlands, where oak, ash, and beech trees dominate the landscape, providing habitat for various bird species and small mammals.

One of the highlights of Goat Cleugh is the presence of several cascading waterfalls, which add to the valley's charm and serenity. These waterfalls are fed by the streams that flow through the valley, creating a peaceful ambiance and providing an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation.

Although Goat Cleugh is predominantly a rural area, there are a few scattered farms and cottages, adding to its idyllic countryside atmosphere. The valley offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature and enjoy the tranquility it provides.

In conclusion, Goat Cleugh is a stunning valley in Northumberland, renowned for its natural beauty, walking trails, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of the English countryside.

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Goat Cleugh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.796892/-2.2254048 or Grid Reference NY8544. 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

Summit cairn on Burtree Fell

The summit of Burtree Fell is flat. Its accepted high point lies to the east of a ruined wall although OS mapping gives a spot height of 612 m. closer to the wall which is shown in the image. The cairn is a more impressive one than has been seen there on earlier visits . There's a trig point not far away to the east but at 607 m., it's lower. Killhope Law is in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Parked vehicles and trailers at Allenheads

The area beyond the low wall is part of the site of the Beaumont Mine which was originally a lead mine but more recently it was worked for fluorspar. The bays in the distance separated by stepped walls date from the lead mining phase.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland beyond ruined wall at Pike Dike Nook

Pike Dike Nook is a location on moorland south of Allenheads at or close to the southern point of a coniferous plantation. Killhope Law is the more pointed skyline hill to the left in the image; right from it is Carrshield Moor.

Trevor Littlewood

Moorland beyond ruined wall

The wall is on the north-western slope of Burtree Fell. The wooden boxes beside it are used by gamekeepers for supplying, out on the moorland, grit for the use of grouse. The broad ridge extending into the distance goes over Westend Moor to Killhope Law.

Trevor Littlewood

Ruined buildings on slope of Byerhope

The valley cutting through the image is Byerhope, hope being a term meaning valley. The line of trees at the left side of the image conceal Byerhope Reservoir, a relic of the local lead mining industry. Several ruined buildings can be seen between the trees and the camera location; the one partly hidden by the nearest of them is Heather View.

Trevor Littlewood

Incipient stream groove with bog asphodel

Grass with a few clumps of flowering heather dominate the moorland but there's a winding groove which has the yellow flowers of bog asphodel, (Narthecium ossifragum). As its name suggests the plant favours wetter areas, such as the stream groove.

Trevor Littlewood

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

River East Allen at Dirt Pot

In the foreground is part of the aqueduct for Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill NY8546 : Line of aqueduct from Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill

Andrew Curtis

Line of aqueduct from Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill

Part of an extensive system of control of water resources at the former Lead Smelt Mill.

Andrew Curtis

Probable remains of dam on Westend Burn

A dam is shown in this location on the first edition OS 6" sheet: Link

Andrew Curtis

Site of Allenheads Smelt Mill (Lead), Dirt Pot

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

Westend Burn (upstream of former dam)

See photo here NY8546 : Probable remains of dam on Westend Burn

Andrew Curtis

Ropehaugh Cottages, Dirt Pot

Mill Cottages are on the right hand side (below and above the road). Mill Cottages were where the smelt mill workers lived. Smelters were paid more than miners and were often provided with better houses because smelting was such a highly skilled job. In the 19th and early 20th centuries several of the houses here and further along the road were shops.

Andrew Curtis

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Goat Cleugh is located at Grid Ref: NY8544 (Lat: 54.796892, Lng: -2.2254048)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria