Rookhope

Rookhope was once the centre of lead and fluorspar mining in the Dale.  The last mine closed in 1999.  The shaft head at Grove Rake was recently saved from demolition.

The poet W H Auden first visited the village at the age of 12 in 1939 and returned many times.  He described Rookhope as “the most wonderfully desolate of all the dales”.

In the summer months, the village is filled with beautiful planters and tubs which are all provided and maintained by people in the village

The village retains a strong community spirit with a school, pub, social club and a part time shop.  The Coast to Coast cycle route passes through the village many cyclists choose to stay overnight in the pub, bunkhouse or  B&B.