A Tour of Weardale, Page 2
The village of St. John's Chapel, seen one fine summer's day between passing storms.




The Blue Circle Cement plant near Eastgate is a landmark in the central Dale. Until its recent closure, the large yellow lorries from the plant are also a constant source of excitement for motorists up and down the valley.



A view of the upper Dale from the road between St. John's Chapel and Langdon Beck in Teesdale.




A view of the Groverake Mine near Rookhope, which closed during the summer of 1999. This was the last commercial fluorspar mine in the region.



The Rookhope "Arch" is all that remains of the 19th century Lintzgarth lead smelting plant, just west of the village of Rookhope. Until recently, old mine and smelting sites were routinely demolished. Many of those that survived are now protected.




The Mill Race Hotel in Wolsingham is a wonderful local pub and restaurant run by Denis and Mary Walker. They always have several cask ales on and the Whitby Cod is not to be missed. They never complain when we show up all covered with muck from a day at the mine, and if you want to find out just how fierce a round of dominos can get, stick around on a Friday evening. To book a room or a table, contact them at: millrace@tinyonline.co.uk, or call (01388) 526551.



Mary Walker pulls a pint while Jonina looks on in anticipation.




A road sign in the village of Westgate points the way to some mineralogically famous places.




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