Nenthead
About the village
Folk in both Nenthead and Allenheads - the next port of call - claim to live in England's highest village. I would be interested to know definitively which is the higher. Either way, Nenthead is 500m above sea level and has a colder climate than Aberdeen. It does seem incredible that only 300 million years ago it was on the equator.
The village was purpose- built for mining in 1825 by the Quaker Lead Company. In addition to housing they provided a reading room, wash-house, public baths and a school for the 1500 employees in the Methodist stronghold. At weekends they ran smal holdings and this way of life lasted for more than 100 years. A decorative fountain in the middle of the vil age serves as a memorial to R.W.Bainbridge Esq, superintendent of the mine company.
Falling markets destroyed the community, with cheap imports leading to a collapse in prices, and many families emigrated to the USA and Australia at the end of the 19th century. Zinc mining continued until the 1940s and Nenthead Mines eventual y closed its last pit in 1961.
Places of Interest
The Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre is a must. They have brought to life the old workings on this 200 acre site and have helped breathe life into a vil age that history somehow forgot. You can even do some mineral panning and visit the sites on self-guided trails. 01434 382294
Killhope Lead Mining Centre is off the A689 5km east of Nenthead. Underground visits possible April - Oct. 01388 537505.
Cycle Repairs
Mark Fearn The village blacksmith also repairs bikes, stocks spares and will do a breakdown and recovery service if needed 01434 382194/07776 098915 mark@fearn2620.freeserve.co.uk / www.markfearn.co.uk
Accommodation
| Miners Arms, Nenthead, Cumbria CA9 3PF | |
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Excellent food and good beer at the pub which lays claim to being the highest in England. Alison has done a class conversion of the former bunkrooms into luxy en-suite accommodation. Her family has run the Miners since 1988, adding a conservatory dining room. Member of the Green Tourism scheme promoted by the AONB. |
Run by: Alison Clark 
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Telephone : 01434 381427 |
Rooms : 1T, 1T/Tpl |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Mill Cottage Bunkhouse, Nenthead, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3PD | |
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Assay House and Mill Cottage bunkhouses are situated at the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre. Assay House sleeps up to 12 and has a kitchen diner. Mill Cottage sleeps six in beds styled like ship's cabin bunks, with curtains across for privacy and small internal light and shelf. Assay House was once the laboratory of the Assay Master, who analysed ore samples to determine their lead and silver content. Both bunkhouses are available for group bookings and there is a cafe on site and a pub in the village. Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and in the 19th century was part of one of the largest lead and silver mining and processing areas in the country. Neanthead is in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is an ideal hub for those wishing to explore the North Pennines. There are walks as well as the C2C passing the front door. |
Run by: NPHT 
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Tel : 01434 382 726 / 382 294 |
Beds : 18 |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Avesgarth B&B, Avesgarth B&B, 13 Hillersdon Terrace, Nenthead, Alston, CA9 3PG | |
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Family run B&B right on the route with secure cycle store and open all year. Shared bathroom with shower plus extra shower room. Guest lounge with tea and coffee making facilities and TV. Children under 12 sharing - half price. |
Run by: Joan Aves 
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Tel : 01434 382 656 |
Rooms : 1S, 1D 1T, 1F. |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Nent Hall Country House Hotel & Farmhouse B&B, Nent Hall, CA9 3LQ | |
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There's also a pub attached, the Coach House, which serves a good pint and main courses from £6.50, not to mention afternoon tea for those wanting sustenance before the climbs ahead. Look out for great online deals at the hotel, while across the road there are five double rooms at the Farmhouse B&B, which can be rented wholesale for £200 a night so is ideal for a group of up to 12. Cycle friendly and stylish, attractive setting in affordable country house accommodation. A splendid setting just off the A689 Alston to Nenthead road, about 1.5 miles west of Nenthead. |
Run by: Naomi Blamires 
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Tel : 01434 381584 |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| YHA Ninebanks, Orchard House, Mohope, Ninebanks, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 8DQ | |
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YHA in former lead miners cottage now available to non-YHA members. Self catering. Licensed premises. Full catering service for pre-booked groups. Book a bed, a room or the whole hostel. Comfortable year round accommodation. If you can't get through by phone then send an email. |
Run by: Pauline Elliott |
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tel : 01434 345288 |
Rooms : 26 beds in 6 rooms |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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