Well House Cottage

17/06/2026

If you want to see the Yorkshire Dales stay with us. We will guide to the best places to explore in Nidderdale.

07/06/2026

If you’re staying with us over summer why not book yourself a woodland afternoon tea?

07/06/2026

After visiting the Ripon cathedral why not take a walk along the canal and enjoy the peace and quiet.

04/06/2026

Great walk from the cottage front door.

With names like Prosperous and Providence, the former mines near Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale National Landscape sound as though they belong to the Wild West.

More than 200 years ago though the peace of the valley alongside Ashfoldside Beck would have been shattered by the noise, dirt and smells of the two lead mines, as the rich seams of ore in the millstone grit were exploited.

Raw ore, known locally as bouse, would have been washed, crushed and dressed before it arrived at the smelting mill where it was roasted in a furnace to produce molten lead which flowed into moulds to produce ingots or ‘pigs’.

Miners were paid between five and 15 shillings for the dressed ore and boys as young as 12 would work on the dressing floors as well as cleaning the walls of the flues and the beehive condenser despite the dangers from the clouds of poisonous fumes.

Now nature is reclaiming the landscape amid the skeletal ruins of the engine house and the smelt mill as well as the surrounding spoil heaps. Imagine though how extensive the underground remains are, with the network of tunnels and shafts and waterwheels to pump out water.

Words & photos: Amanda Brown

24/05/2026

Free Summer concerts over Summer in Pateley Park.
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12/05/2026

Fabulous 5 ⭐ review . We actually do a happy little dance whenever we receive a 5 star review. We really try to make your stay the best we can.

04/05/2026

A magical weekend! We take that as a huge compliment. We always strive to make your stay the best we possibly can,
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02/05/2026

We love it when our guests have the best time.

02/05/2026

We love Pateley Bridge and we hope you will too!