The Hilton Mine complex is located on the east side of Scordale, approximately 4 km NE of the village of Hilton in Cumbria. The mine accesses ore-bearing veins and an extensive belt of associated flats located at the top of the Melmerby Scar Limestone. Dunham (1990) notes that fluorite was more common in stopes developed on veins lower down in the Melmerby Scar Limestone than in the upper flats. The Hilton, along with the nearby Murton Mine was initially worked by the London Lead Company for galena between 1824 - 1876. The mine was reopened in 1896 and worked by a succession of owners for witherite and barytes (barite) until 1919. Though largely inactive since, the mine was held under lease until 1963 when it was finally abandoned. The area surrounding the mine is now within a military firing range, the times that access is available can be discovered by ringing the Warcop Range Office.
The terraced workings seen on the northwest side of the valley are those of the Murton Mine. The Hilton Mine was accessed by several levels driven into the Melmerby Scar limestone across the valley to the east of the Murton workings. Though fluorite specimens have come from both the Hilton and Murton Mines, it is the barite-rich flats found in the Dow Scar Level of the Hilton that have produced most of the amber/yellow fluorite the mine is known for. Underground collecting is now prohibited and the workings that remain uncollapsed are in very dangerous condition.
References:
Rocks and Minerals (2009) 84: 114-121.
Rocks and Minerals: 79: 378-398.
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UK OS Grid Reference: NY762226
Map Reference: 54°35'52"N , 2°22'6"W
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Mineral List:21 entries listed. 21 valid minerals.
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