In the early 1800s Thomas Sopwith spent four years in and around Alston Moor, high in the North Pennines of England. A keen traveller, geologist and antiquarian, he made three major journeys across the area, from Hexham to Alston, then down the Tees to Barnard Castle, before returning to Alston via the valley of the River Wear. His account is full of fascinating tales and anecdotes regarding the people and places of the Dales, but is important chiefly for his detailed account of the lead mining districts, their strata, mineral veins and methods of lead extraction. Sopwith's unique account is an important source of information for all those interested in the mines and spar sites of the area.