Things to do in Brough, Cumbria

Smeltmill Waterfall is a small but historically significant cascade located on Smeltmill Beck in the eastern environs of Brough, Cumbria. Situated at OS grid reference NY855150, this waterfall forms part of the dramatic limestone landscape characteristic of the northern Pennines. The fall typically presents as a series of stepped drops over exposed bedrock, with the water descending through a narrow rocky channel carved into the Carboniferous limestone that dominates this region's geology. During periods of higher rainfall, the beck can produce a more substantial flow, creating a white cascade that contrasts strikingly with the dark rock faces, while in drier summer months the flow may reduce to a modest trickle over the exposed stone steps. Smeltmill Beck rises in the fells to the east of Brough and flows westward through moorland terrain before descending more steeply as it approaches the Eden Valley. The catchment area encompasses rough pasture and moorland typical of the Pennine uplands, with the beck gathering water from various springs and tributary streams that drain the surrounding hillsides. The watercourse eventually makes its way down to join the River Eden system, contributing to the broader drainage network of this important Cumbrian valley. The beck's name itself provides a clear indication of the industrial heritage that once defined this landscape. The name "Smeltmill" directly references the lead mining and smelting industry that flourished in this part of Cumbria from medieval times through to the nineteenth century. The surrounding area was once dotted with mines extracting lead ore from veins within the limestone, and the beck would have powered waterwheels associated with ore processing and smelting operations. Evidence of this industrial past can still be found in the landscape around the waterfall, with remnants of old mine workings, spoil heaps, and the ruins of industrial buildings occasionally visible to those who explore the area carefully. This mining heritage connects Smeltmill Waterfall to the broader story of the northern Pennines' metal extraction industries, which left an indelible mark on both the landscape and local economy. The landscape surrounding Smeltmill Waterfall is characterized by the transition zone between the higher Pennine moorlands and the more pastoral Eden Valley. Stone walls traverse the hillsides, enclosing improved pastures where sheep graze, while rougher moorland vegetation including heather, bilberry, and coarse grasses covers the higher ground. The limestone geology creates conditions favorable for a range of plant species, and the beck itself supports riparian vegetation along its banks. Birdlife in the area typically includes species common to upland Cumbria such as curlews, lapwings, and various corvids, while the beck may support dippers and grey wagtails where suitable habitat exists. Access to Smeltmill Waterfall requires some effort as it lies away from major roads in relatively remote terrain east of Brough village. Visitors typically need to park in Brough itself and follow public footpaths or tracks that lead eastward up into the hills. The approach involves walking across open country with potentially boggy ground in places, and proper footwear is essential. The terrain can be challenging, particularly in poor weather conditions when visibility may be limited and the ground becomes slippery. Those attempting to visit should be equipped for upland walking and possess reasonable navigation skills, as paths may not always be clearly defined in this working agricultural and former industrial landscape. Brough itself serves as the nearest settlement offering facilities for visitors, with the village providing parking options, refreshments, and basic amenities. The village sits at an important historical crossroads where the A66 trans-Pennine route crosses the Eden Valley, and it developed around the Roman fort of Verterae, adding yet another layer of historical interest to the area. From Brough, various walking routes extend into the surrounding hills, allowing exploration of both the natural landscape and the industrial archaeology that characterizes this part of the northern Pennines. The waterfall forms a potential objective for those interested in combining natural features with industrial heritage, though it remains relatively unvisited compared to more accessible waterfalls elsewhere in Cumbria. The relative obscurity of Smeltmill Waterfall means it has largely escaped the attention that more famous Cumbrian waterfalls receive, but this very remoteness contributes to its appeal for those seeking quieter corners of the landscape. The combination of natural beauty and industrial archaeology creates a landscape that speaks to both the power of natural forces in shaping terrain and human endeavor in extracting resources from challenging environments. For those with an interest in Cumbria's lead mining heritage, the waterfall and surrounding area offer tangible connections to an industry that once employed many local people and contributed significantly to the regional economy before eventually declining in the face of cheaper imported ore and exhausted deposits.