Allen Cleugh
Valley in Northumberland
England
Allen Cleugh
Allen Cleugh is a small valley located in Northumberland, England. Nestled between the hills and green landscapes of the North Pennines, this picturesque area offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere for visitors and residents alike. The valley is situated near the village of Allendale, which is about 34 miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne.
With its stunning natural beauty, Allen Cleugh attracts nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The valley is known for its lush vegetation, dotted with meandering streams and charming waterfalls. The surrounding hills provide a scenic backdrop, offering breathtaking views of the valley below.
The area is rich in history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Bronze Age. Historic ruins and archaeological sites can be found throughout the valley, providing a glimpse into its ancient past. Visitors can explore the remnants of old lead mines, which were once a thriving industry in the area.
In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Allen Cleugh is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot various species, including the elusive red grouse, while nature lovers may catch a glimpse of roe deer or otters along the streams.
Despite its secluded location, Allen Cleugh offers a range of amenities and facilities to cater to visitors. There are several accommodation options available, including cozy bed and breakfasts and self-catering cottages. Additionally, the valley is within easy reach of nearby villages and towns, where visitors can find shops, restaurants, and other services.
Overall, Allen Cleugh is a hidden gem in Northumberland, offering a peaceful and idyllic escape for those seeking natural beauty, history, and a touch of tranquility.
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Allen Cleugh Images
Images are sourced within 2km of 54.800648/-2.2210236 or Grid Reference NY8545. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Ruins of Rookhope Head
The building at Rookhope Head stands on desolate moorland at the head of Rook Hope; it has been deserted at least for many decades. An image from 2013 - Link - shows some of the main roof timbers and stones in place: all collapsed now. The wooden electricity supply poles have also been removed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remains of flue near 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.
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.
Site of Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill from west
"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.
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.
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
Archive Link
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
Line of aqueduct from Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill
Part of an extensive system of control of water resources at the former Lead Smelt Mill.
Probable remains of dam on Westend Burn
A dam is shown in this location on the first edition OS 6" sheet: Link
See also: NY8546 : Westend Burn (upstream of former dam)
See also: NY8546 : Westend Burn (upstream of former dam)
Site of Allenheads Smelt Mill (Lead), Dirt Pot
"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.
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.
Westend Burn (upstream of former dam)
See photo here NY8546 : Probable remains of dam on Westend Burn
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.
Allen Cleugh is located at Grid Ref: NY8545 (Lat: 54.800648, Lng: -2.2210236)
Unitary Authority: Northumberland
Police Authority: Northumbria
What 3 Words
///unhelpful.nibbles.magnets. Near Alston, Cumbria
Nearby Locations
Related Wikis
Nearby Amenities
Located within 500m of 54.800648,-2.2210236Allenheads
Bicycle Parking
Access: yes
Bicycle Parking: stands
Capacity: 14
Covered: no
Fee: no
Lat/Long: 54.8022405/-2.2199229
Post Box
Image: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6302632
Post Box Design: ludlow
Post Box Type: wall
Ref: NE47 123
Royal Cypher: GR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102273
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 54.8023876/-2.2197126
Telephone
Booth: KX100
Check Date: 2022-02-05
Covered: booth
Phone: 01434685251
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 54.8025166/-2.2193479
Board Type: history
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 54.802548/-2.2181896
Welcome to Allenheads
Board Type: map
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 54.8024096/-2.2199126
Allenheads Washing Floors
Board Type: history
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 54.8035927/-2.2195264
Gin Hill Shaft
Disused: yes
Man Made: mineshaft
Operator: WB Lead
Resource: lead
Lat/Long: 54.8026304/-2.2190475
Fawside Level
HE Ref: 1370612
Disused: yes
Heritage: 2
Heritage Operator: Historic England
Listed Status: Grade II
Man Made: adit
Wikidata: Q26651834
Lat/Long: 54.8038643/-2.2186217
Description: Old mine carts on display
Tourism: artwork
Lat/Long: 54.8026339/-2.2199527
Drinking Water
The Iron Well
Access: yes
Fee: no
Fixme: Better tagged as spring than drinking_water?
Image: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6633197
Lat/Long: 54.8023971/-2.2194985
Beaumont main incline
Disused: yes
Man Made: adit
Operator: British Steel Corporation
Resource: lead;fluorospar
Lat/Long: 54.8029461/-2.2184502
Crag Shield Shaft
Disused: yes
Image: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6632759
Man Made: mineshaft
Lat/Long: 54.8026466/-2.22164
Allenheads Heritage Centre
Addr City: Allenheads
Addr Postcode: NE47 9HN
Level: 1
Source: survey
Tourism: museum
Lat/Long: 54.802352/-2.2197118
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 54.8017825/-2.220004
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 54.8018939/-2.2197572
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 54.8017563/-2.2193267
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 54.8017006/-2.219367
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 54.8016596/-2.219422
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 54.8016094/-2.2194582
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 54.8015158/-2.2196392
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 54.8014741/-2.2195266
Defibrillator
Access: yes
Emergency: defibrillator
Indoor: no
Lat/Long: 54.8024319/-2.2199484
Generator Method: wind_turbine
Generator Source: wind
Image: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6632729
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 54.8009624/-2.2238651
Green veined White
Fixme: Confirm exact location
Information: route_marker
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 54.8030124/-2.2210917
Larch ladybird
Fixme: Confirm exact location
Information: route_marker
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 54.803174/-2.2212727
Frog hopper
Fixme: Confirm exact location
Information: route_marker
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 54.8037213/-2.2220747
Silver Ground Carpet Moth
Fixme: Confirm exact location
Information: route_marker
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 54.8041016/-2.2227064
Funnel web spider
Fixme: Confirm exact location
Information: route_marker
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 54.8047675/-2.2236076
Bus Stop
Bus: yes
Public Transport: platform
Lat/Long: 54.80295/-2.2177984
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