- Created: 14th February 2017 1:49 pm
- Updated: 1st May 2017 1:30 pm
- Distance 7 miles
- Time 3 h 6 min
- Speed 2 mph
- Min altitude 371 ft
- Peak 633 ft
- Climb 591 ft
- Descent 594 ft
- Distance Instructions
In the 1860s, when many copper mines were closing, a ‘lode’ of tin ore was discovered to the South of Carn Brea in an area that previously worked copper deposits. This lode, over 2 miles long, was also flatter than most, lying at an angle of about 30 degrees instead of the usual 70 degrees from the horizontal – hence its name, the “Great Flat Lode”.
The tin mines here were some of the most successful in the late 19th Century and produced over 90,000 tons of tin concentrate. The mines here closed about 1920. Since then the area has remained relatively undeveloped and it now contains some of Cornwall’s finest remains of engine houses, tin dressing floors and other mining structures. The Trail not only runs south of Carn Brea, but also to the north of the hill, where some of Cornwall’s most celebrated mines are situated.
Nature of trail: A circular route with some steep sections. Mostly off-road taking you through a mixture of farmland, heathland and old mine sites.
A circular route. Where to park: South Wheal Frances, Dolcoath Mine and at King Edward Mine Museum (where you can visit a free exhibition all about the Mineral Tramways).
1. Start / End at car park
2. Steep narrow track
3. Steep descent
4. Cross main road
5. Right on to road
6. Left on to road
7. Cross road on bend
In the 1860s, when many copper mines were closing, a ‘lode’ of tin ore was discovered to the South of Carn Brea in an area that previously worked copper deposits. This lode, over 2 miles long, was also flatter than most, lying at an angle of about 30 degrees instead of the usual 70 degrees from the horizontal – hence its name, the “Great Flat Lode”.
The tin mines here were some of the most successful in the late 19th Century and produced over 90,000 tons of tin concentrate. The mines here closed about 1920. Since then the area has remained relatively undeveloped and it now contains some of Cornwall’s finest remains of engine houses, tin dressing floors and other mining structures. The Trail not only runs south of Carn Brea, but also to the north of the hill, where some of Cornwall’s most celebrated mines are situated.
Nature of trail: A circular route with some steep sections. Mostly off-road taking you through a mixture of farmland, heathland and old mine sites.
A circular route. Where to park: South Wheal Frances, Dolcoath Mine and at King Edward Mine Museum (where you can visit a free exhibition all about the Mineral Tramways).
