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Underground CanalAn underground canal of just over 4 miles in length links the Nenthead mines to Alston – the Nent Force Level. Its purpose was to drain the lead workings under Alston Moor and to survey for new mineral veins. The canal was excavated by John Smeaton (of Eddystone lighthouse fame) and became popular with Victorian daytrippers enjoying underground boat trips.- Cross FellThis is the highest point on the Pennine fells at 893 m (2930 ft). It used to be called Fiend’s Fell because evil spirits were believed to inhabit it. St Augustine, an early Christian missionary, is said to have erected a cross on the summit, held mass and banished the howling demons. The summit was thereafter known as Cross Fell.
- WaterfallsThe Nent and South Tyne rivers and their tributaries descend in a series of waterfalls from their source high on Alston Moor. The most impressive is Ashgill Force, which plunges 50 ft (15 m) over a hard ledge into a deep pool (it is possible to stand behind the waterfall). Other falls are at Gossipgate (the name refers to the many ‘tongues’ of water that spout over the rock sill), Skelgill and Thortergill.
- The Reading RoomThe Reading Room in Nenthead, built by the Quaker London Lead Company in 1833, was England’s first free library. Nenthead was a major centre for lead and silver mining in the 18th and 19th centuries and this is what led the company to establish one of the first purpose-built industrial villages in England, which along with the reading room, featured housing, a school with compulsory education for both boys and girls, public baths and a washhouse for the miners and their families.
- Highest TownAlston is actually the highest market town in England at 1043 ft (318 m).
- AlstoniteA very rare mineral called alstonite was first discovered here – found in only a few other places in the world.
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