Nenthead is one of the UK’s highest villages, at around 1,500 feet. Since the early 18th century the area has been used for the extraction of lead, zinc and silver from underground ores.
Most of the former mining area is a scheduled ancient monument and there are extensive remains of surface buildings. Nenthead Mines Conservation Society is a volunteer charity which owns and cares for much of the site.
Most of the site is accessible year-round and the Conservation Society run open days when underground access to Carrs Mine (a former lead and zinc mine) is possible. For specialist groups, access to other areas may sometime be possible by arrangement; Sub Brit visited Smallcleugh Mine which includes an underground horse gin.