Walking
Brandon Walls Mine Geotrail
An interesting and varied 2 mile (3.2km) walk alongside the Rookhope Burn, through Thorny Brow and Brandon Walls mines and up to the fell, where you can enjoy fine views.
This varied walk takes you through a North Pennines landscape that has been shaped by centuries of mining. After passing the remains of an old lead mine beside the Rookhope Burn you climb up to be rewarded with fine views across the Rookhope valley and beyond. Once busy with industry, this is now a peaceful landscape of meadows, stone walls, moors and wildlife.
This small mine site is on the east bank of the Rookhope Burn, approximately 2km downstream of Rookhope in Weardale, County Durham. The complex is partly wooded and overgrown. Brandon Walls mine is set within the wider, more extensive industrial landscape of Rookhope valley. This mine forms one of the better preserved core areas of this landscape.
For more information on the archaeology, botany, geology and importance of Brandon Walls mine, please click this link.
Start location: On the Eastgate to Rookhope road (NY 943 417). There is a layby in front of some old concrete quarry storage bays.
Terrain: Boggy ground, on-road sections, off-road sections.
Car parking, pubs and a shop nearby.
