Ashgill Force

↑ The Pennines

Geology

Ashgill Force falls where the South Tyne River breaks through the Scar Limestone. The limestone rests on softer shales that are more easily eroded and creates the undercut behind the waterfall (the undercut is similar to that at Gilbert’s Cave).

Etymology

Force is an evolution of the Old Norse foss for waterfall.

Ashgill Force Level

Part of the Ashgill Fields Mine, a lead mine operated from 1818 to 1882.

Stone alcoves known as ‘bouseteems’ at Ashgill Force Level.

Waterfall

Ashgill Force

Ashgill Force

Ashgill Force in flood 2005. Andrew Smith / Ashgill Force / CC BY-SA 2.0.

References

Ashgill from Garrigill Geotrail - North Pennines National Landscape