Wily Sikes

Remains of early to mid 19th century coal mining activity above the Bateinghope Burn. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020.

The remains of coal mining activity above the Bateinghope Burn as clouds roll overhead threatening rain. The route of the access track from Carter Bar to this site which included lime kilns and clay workings as well as coal mines can be noted in the middle distance. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020.

Viewed from a Prague bound flight from Edinburgh.

The bright green leaves of Bog asphodel contrast with the dull moorland grasses and low heather. This normally boggy area of Kielderhead Moor is shown on maps as Big Flow.

The presence of sink holes shows that the rock below the blanket bog has changed from sandstone to limestone. The hill is aptly named.

The fence, first photographed here in 2006 NT6701 : Fence and access steps at Limestone Knowe, has been recently renewed and the access steps replaced by a stile. The unusually high, moorland fence, is designed to restrict the movement of the wild goat herd that inhabits this area.

View towards Border Ridge at Carter Fell.

One of two old limestone quarries that provided raw material for the limekilns to the north by the Bateinghope Burn. Coal was provided from shafts to the north-east, close to the burn, below Carter Fell.

Looking towards the disused limestone quarry from the old track used to take the rock north (downhill) to the limekilns.

View down the valley from above the ruined limekilns.

The workings of one of the limestone quarries on the moor can be above the mound that housed the limekilns. "The limestone at the head of Bateinghope Burn at the top of the cementstones has been worked in a level, and burnt at a kiln close to the mouth thereof. The level has long since been abandoned, and the limestone is said never to have been so good as that above the Carter coal. This upper limestone was, 40 years ago or more, extensively worked in two large quarries on the fell top three-quarters of a mile or so east-south-east of the Ordnance Station 1815, and was burnt at some kilns near where the road crosses the head of Bateinghope. The kilns and neighbourhood are now locally known as the 'Concern', a name presumably given in consequence of the great stir or concern they formerly made in the district when working." The Geology of the Plashetts and Kielder (1889): Link

One of the buildings probably associated with Bateinghope Burn limestone quarries, the lime kiln and clay workings. The old track that leads from the mining site to Carter Bar can be seen on the slope behind.