Barytes mines were active, extracting from veins within the Melmerby Scar Limestone atop Long Fell. The provided grid reference marks the adit portal of the Long Fell Barytes Co. on the ‘B’ Vein. Production began in 1914 and continued sporadically until 1950. However, Long Fell eventually fell within the target range of the Warcop Firing Range. Despite efforts to protect the adit mouth with blast-walls (which must have made for an interesting work environment!), further operations became impractical. It’s believed that significant reserves of barytes still exist in the area. While massive baryte can still be found on the tips, so too can artillery shells, making access no longer permissible.

1914-1930 Long Fell Barytes Ltd 1940-1948 William Wharton 1950 Malehurst Barytes Co. Ltd