Report - Groverake Fluorspar Mine, Rookhope, July 2014

[catbalou]

Groverake Fluorspar Mine, Rookhope, July 2014​

“Groverake mine was worked in the early years by the Beaumont company from about 1819 up until 1883, thereafter the Weardale Lead Company continued working the seams for some 33 years or so before the mine eventually ended up being worked for Fluorspar by British Steel - officially until 1983. The mine passed through several independent companies, including SamUK until its permanent closure in 1998.â€​

A site with a ‘bit of everything’ to appeal to explorers, underground / high stuff / buildings and a beautiful scenic location too. According to Dave, the site has gone a lot downhill since his visit from years back, but as with a lot of the sites we visit… time, natural decay and visits from the metal fairies all contribute to this. Evidence here would also point to ‘passing sheep’ to be part of that contribution too! I’m used to walking through pigeon crap, but sheep poop was a first for me!
Even though very stripped, the location alone makes this site a lovely little wander… especially when you’re in great company. Visited with Dave and Sed one rainy weekend. Cheers guys.

View into site

First (shorter) drift

sign outside drift

Shaft building lift

Lockers and paperwork

Winder house

Second drift

L-R, Catbalou, Dave, Sed.

Winding tower

Winding wheels

View from the top of the tower, and Dave and Sed checking out the second shaft and lift below

All in all, despite its decline.... it still is a great little site

Cat.

 

[The Kwan]

Nice one Cat, nice photos too

 

[Southside UE]

Good work cat this one looks decent

 

[Wevsky]

Nice one Cat..decent looking location that

 

[AuntieKnickers]

It's a good place. You've got guts lass climbing the wheel when they've taken some of the ladders away.

 

[dave]

Thanks for a splendid day out Cat and Sed i knew that you would both love this place despite its poor condition which really has gone downhill badly since my last visit still plenty still to see and you captured the place well. Incidentally the second and smaller headstock which went a number of years ago was supposedly carted off by metal thieves.

 

[tumbles]

Love this, Cat

 

[jST]

Superb, my parents have just moved up this way and was planning on visiting some of the mines in the area.

 

[catbalou]

It's a good place. You've got guts lass climbing the wheel when they've taken some of the ladders away.

I like roofs... and the views were lovely! albeit in rainy weather!

 

[catbalou]

Thanks for a splendid day out Cat and Sed i knew that you would both love this place despite its poor condition which really has gone downhill badly since my last visit still plenty still to see and you captured the place well. Incidentally the second and smaller headstock which went a number of years ago was supposedly carted off by metal thieves.

was a great day, thanks for bringing the site to my attention. Yes, i did a bit of reading when i came back and heard about the smaller headstock being stolen... such a shame and quite scary how the second shaft is wide open.... not a place to wander around in the dark... considering you dropped that brick down the shaft and we counted a full 5-6 seconds before we heard it land!

 

[H1971]

Lovely shots cat

 

[Punk]

Cool mine, cheers for sharing

 

[Sed]

Ah, your pics came out great in the end despite the pouring rain for most of the day! A most enjoyable and relaxed explore - cheers guys.

 

[Session9]

Nice one Cat, as you say a site with a bit of everything. Pigeon or Sheep ploop, which one do you prefer?

 

[catbalou]

Pigeon or Sheep ploop, which one do you prefer?

lol.. thats like 'the lesser of two evils' principle. Probably sheep poop, as it doesnt make you feel ill after breathing it in (but doesnt half stick to the little tripod feet!)