Take a closer look into Ashes Quarry Stanhope

Here, for 70 years and more, hundreds of men toiled by hand with simple tools to dig the Great Limestone out of the Weardale fells, just a short distance from the centre of Stanhope. They left behind a huge, mile-long hole in the ground which today, over 60 years since they downed tools, nature is slowly reclaiming. This 2-mile circular route follows the paths the quarrymen would have once taken to work. It rewards a bit of a climb at the start with fantastic views over Stanhope and a fascinating insight into Weardale's industrial past.
Ashes Quarry above Stanhope in Weardale © NPAP/Neil Diment

Location: 

Starting from the Durham Dales Centre car park in Stanhope.

Distance: 

3 km

Terrain: 

  • Boggy ground
  • Off road sections
  • On road sections
  • Steep sections

Area: 

Access: 

  • Car parking
  • Cycle parking
  • Public transport

Interests: 

Facilities nearby: 

  • Accessible toilets
  • Cafe
  • Playground
  • Pub
  • Shop
  • Toilets