The North Pennines: Landscape and Legend

High Cup

The Making of the Landscape

In these introductory chapters of the book, we consider the physical and human factors that have shaped the distinctive landscapes of the North Pennines. These are responsible for its unique blend of natural and social history.

In geological terms, the layer-cake rocks of the 'Yoredale Series' and the rich minerals of the North Pennine orefield have provided both the basic structure and the raw materials for much of the economic development. Moorlands have developed on the acidic rocks of the uplands with richer soils on the glacial deposits of the valley floors. Outcrops of limestone produce their own peculiar landforms and significantly add to the richness of the local flora.

Killhope Mine

There is a long history of human settlement in the area. From the prehistoric caves of Moking Hurth and Heatheryburn or the famous stone-circle of Long Meg and her Daughters, through to the Romans and the coming of the Angles, Danes and Norse settlers. Over time, the forests were gradually cleared to produce the familiar valley patterns of villages and fields. Medieval times brought the Border conflicts and the need for castles, pele towers and bastles. More peaceful times led to a flourishing trade in cattle droving across the upland routes. However, the 18th and 19th centuries proved to be the time of biggest upheaval in many of the dales, with the boom in lead mining leading to major changes in the landscape, including large mine developments and new villages.

Piecing together these many different influences, and also considering the different cultural factors, we end up with the Pennine scene we have today. By linking past and present, a fascinating extra dimension becomes apparant for these beautiful landscapes.