Hilton Mine

The Hilton Mine sits in Scordale, a glacial valley in the North Pennines, Cumba, England, roughly 4 km northeast of Hilton village. This region is part of the Warcop military training area, adding a unique historical layer. Nearby, you'll find other mineral-rich sites like the Murton Mine and Amber Hill Mine, making it a hotspot for enthusiasts. Its coordinates are 54° 35' 52'' N, 2° 22' 6'' W, offering a precise location for exploration (mindat.org).

This mine is famous for its yellow to amber fluorite, which fluoresces under UV light, making it a prized possession for collectors. It also yields galena (lead ore), baryte, witherite, and other minerals like azurite and malachite, adding to its allure for those seeking unique specimens (mindat.org).

The mine is embedded in the Melmerby Scar Limestone, part of the Carboniferous Great Scar Limestone Group, a sedimentary rock formation. Minerals here are found in veins and flats, likely formed by hydrothermal activity, with research suggesting underlying granite may have played a role in mineralization (ResearchGate).

Mining began in 1824 for lead by the London Lead Company, lasting until 1876. It was later reopened in 1896 for barite and witherite, continuing into the 1940s, and is now a Scheduled Monument, preserving its historical value (Historic England).

The area around Hilton Mine reflects a rural culture with a strong mining heritage, featuring sheep grazing and historical sites like a local smelt mill. The North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offer scenic views and attract nature lovers and hikers (Visit Cumba).

The region enjoys a temperate maritime climate with cool to mild temperatures and frequent rainfall, supporting diverse moorland and heath ecosystems. It's home to rare alpine plants, red squirrels, and birds of prey, enhancing its ecological richness (North Pennines AONB).