Gunnerside is located along the Swale valley about 17 miles from Richmond. Glaciation created a classic "U" shaped valley which at this point is quite wide and essentially flat due to the "flood plane" effect of the sedimentary rich river.
One can understand why Viking invaders settled here hundreds of years ago as the valley has a certain Scandinavian quality.
At Gunnerside a small tributary of the Swale, Gunnerside Gill joins the main river. The gill flows from the North issuing from what at first appears to be a small valley. The valley becomes more impressive as you follow it Northwards. The land on either side rises to about 1800 feet and is deeply bisected by the gill. Extensive mine workings can be found along the stream.
The valley viewed from the West bank
Spoil heaps on the East side. A stone kiln can just be made out on the right of the picture about 1 inch in from the right.
The mine workings become more extensive up-stream
Extensive remains of various buildings remain
Four large metal pipes are visible in the above picture. They are columns that supported the furnace arches. (Information supplied by Martin Rutter who recalls seeing the arches when he first visited the site).
The remains of a kiln can be seen just above the building with the pipes The mine workings at this point are nearly three miles up the valley. It would have taken the miners from Gunnerside about an hour to reach. It is a pleasant enough walk on a fine day but in the winter months it cannot have been much fun.
