Have you found this site useful? If so, why not make a small contribution to our running costs. Just click on the button below for more details:
Date: 09 April 2008
Overview: An early 20th century lead mine worked for its fluorspar and galena content. Latterly it has been used as a set for TV programmes; this explains the unexpected collection of polystyrene boulders in the main entrance tunnel!
Weather conditions: Fine and dry.
How to find it: Park in one of the laybys at Horseshoe Quarry on the A623. Facing the track up to the quarry, turn left up the road. After a short distance (and fairly close to the road) you'll see the remains of some ruined buildings or walls (possibly a miners' coe?). The partly-collapsed entrance is a low arch almost hidden in summer by the undergrowth.
Access: No known access restrictions.
Kit required: None.
Description: A careful downhill slide through the muddy entrance collapse emerges into a large walking passage with a compressed air pipe running along its length. The mine soon divides into two branches. The right-hand one can be followed to an area of unstable workings, vaguely propped up by rotting timbers, and ends at an area of collapse which should be treated with the utmost caution. The left hand branch is much more stable, and can be followed to a forefield. Evidence of modern mining techniques can be seen along this passage. Look out for interesting areas of mineralisation. Worked out 'chambers' (on your right when heading in to the mine) are too unstable to explore safely, but appear to be large part-natural cavities.