The scree chute descending into Mickleden
Bottom is in part "spoil " from the
activity of Neolithic man

Disused quarry high in the slopes of Ill Bell

Spoil heaps behind an old barn at Troutbeck

Jumbled waste tipped from the dressing
floor above

Telephoto shot showing abandoned working face
and spoil tips below, note disused buildings

The geology of lakeland lends itself to various types of mining and quarrying operations, with a history going back over 4000 years, when Neolithic man 'quarried' stone axes on amongst other places Pike O Stickle. The waste he produced forms part of the scree chute from the man made cave high in the gully. Following on, the Romans mined for copper and afterwards various others quarried and mined the area. All this activity produced vast quantities of waste or 'spoil'. These tips are a favourite place for foxes, both for breeding and escape from hounds, They (like Borrans) are dangerous places, as it takes little to dislodge somtimes several tons of heavy sharp stone. Quarries and tips are dangerous places and you are advised to keep away, and view from a distance.

Probably ever since 'hunting' began these tips have been used by foxes, and in order to prevent this on a hunting day people would go and stand on the tips, and with lots of shouting and banging on sticks on the rock attempt (with limited success) to 'keep them out'

The visit of the hounds to the valley where a (working) quarry was situated was always looked forward to, and usually little work was done that day, the quarrymen being far more interested in the hunt and standing on the tips. For a short while in the early 70s I worked in a local quarry and well remember a conversation between Manager and Foreman. "T hunds are in this marning, will git nowt done", and he was right.

Some tips were so notorious that terriers were not put in, however a consideration was given to the type of fox they were after, for example a 'lamb worrier' would be a high priority to account for where possible.

Dove Crag

Broad Howe

An Explanation

Badger & Butcher

Quarry Tips & Spoilheaps

Will It Bolt?

Ista Garn t Watch Cubs?

Braithwaite Black