Greenside Mine

Greenside Mine is a former lead and silver mine above the village of Glenridding, in Patterdale parish in the Lake District, Cumbria. What remains is a sprawling industrial hillside on the approach to Helvellyn: spoil heaps, ruined buildings and old levels, protected as a scheduled monument (Historic England list entry 1015654).

What was Greenside Mine?

Ore had been worked here before the 1800s, but continuous mining began in 1825 and lasted until the early 1960s. Over that period the mine yielded roughly 156,000 long tons of lead and 1.6 million ounces of silver. In the 1940s it ranked as Britain's biggest source of lead ore. Its records survive in unusual detail back to 1825, which is rare for a British metal mine.

In 1893 it became the first UK metal mine with an electric underground locomotive and winding engine, driven by a hydro-electric plant near Red Tarn. The company built cottages for its workforce and helped fund the school at Patterdale, so Glenridding's growth is closely tied to the mine. One of its best-known incidents was the 1927 failure of the Keppel Cove dam after heavy rain.

What can you see today?

The site includes workings, waste heaps, remains of ore-dressing floors and a smelt mill, plus a power house with its leat. One former industrial building now serves as Helvellyn YHA hostel. Names such as High Horse Level and Lucy Tongue mark individual workings.

How do you get there, and can you go inside?

Start in Glenridding and follow the road and path up beside Glenridding Beck, the same route used by walkers heading for Red Tarn and Helvellyn. There is no ticket office or guided tour: you see the ruins and spoil from the path, as part of a hike. Information boards along the way help explain the scale of the operation.

The ground is hazardous. Old workings lie underground, and past collapses have damaged parts of the site. Do not enter any adit, climb on the spoil heaps or take rocks away. Waste from ore processing contains metals that can reach the streams, so do not drink from the becks.

When should you visit?

Late spring to early autumn is best, with dry paths and long daylight. Mountain weather changes fast, so carry waterproofs, sturdy boots and a map. The route can be icy in winter.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. The site is reached by public paths and needs no ticket.

Can I go into the tunnels? No. The workings are unstable and the site is legally protected.

How long does a visit take? Looking round the remains takes one to two hours; combined with a walk toward Red Tarn and Helvellyn it fills a full day.

Where can I stay? Glenridding and Patterdale offer accommodation, and Helvellyn YHA occupies former mine buildings.