This route offers walkers the chance to have a look at some of the old lead mining buildings in the valleys strewn across the moor.

Circular  |  13km (8 miles)  |  Difficulty: Medium

Gunnerside’s Old Lead Mines Elevation

There is plenty of parking in Gunnerside but it fills up quickly so walkers are advised to get there earlier.

1: The route start by heading East out of Gunnerside along the main road, then turns off to the left.

2: There is a steep incline along this section.  At the top of the hill walkers can choose to go right or left as this is where the circular part of the route begins. The route is written assuming a clockwise approach is taken.

3: At this section of the route walkers will reach a crossroad.  Walkers could continue ahead which would eventually take them to the top of Gunnerside Gill where the preserved ruins of a mining operation can be viewed (as seen on another Gunnerside Route).  However, the route turns right here.  Walkers can follow the paths on either side of the stream as they meet up again towards the bottom of the valley.

4: The route now passes through the preserved ruins of an old mining operation.  The path eventually reaches a road where the route turns right.

5: There is a steep climb on a tarmac road along this section. but this is quickly over.  From here the route follows the road for a short distance then a path which turns off from it.  This path may be potentially muddy (the restof the route is gravel and tarmac so mud isn’t a problem elsewhere).  This part of the route has some great views along the Swale Valley, though if there are winds walkers certainly feel their full force along this stretch.  The path returns to point 2 where walkers can descend back to Gunnerside.

This route isn’t too demanding apart from the climb out of Gunnerside.  However, parking along the circular part of the route (near point 5) can allow this to be avoided.