Smittergill Head Mine, situated at the confluence of Gate Sike and Cooper Sike where they converge to form Smittergill Burn, was a small lead mine initiated around 1851. It exploited the Smittergill Hill Sun Vein, an extension of the Rotherhope Fell Vein on the east side of Smittergill Burn. Mark Armstrong’s level, now collapsed, was driven east along this vein and stoped to the surface. On the eastern side of Gate Sike, there exists a large hush and opencut on an extension of the Knapside Vein, previously worked over on Melmerby Fell. Numerous remnants of the mining infrastructure remain, including buildings such as the crushing mill, mine shop, office, and the water wheel pit, which was supplied by a leat running along the ridge between Gate Sike and Cooper Sike. Additionally, there are said to be two shafts—Smittergill Head shaft and Hethorn’s shaft—on either side of the ridge, now covered by grass, with their exact locations unknown. Despite its extensive remains, the mine was deemed unsuccessful and ceased operation around 1873, having produced only around 300 to 400 tons of lead ore. The abundance of remaining structures is likely due to the site’s remote location.

1859-1873 W.W. Smyth & Co.