Coniston Coppermines

Today was a training day for volunteer national park guided walk leaders. I am just about to embark on the training program which typically takes about two years to complete. We were looking at the route for a new walk aimed specifically at detailing the history of the copper mines up near Levers Water. We were accompanied on the walk by two members of CATMHS - Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society - which is a bit of a mouthful. They were amazingly knowledgeable and one had explored most of the accessible workings  - not recommended as much abseiling is required and many of the levels are flooded. He did however take us into one of the adits to the entrance of one of the main shafts which descended close to 1400'. There were lots of gory stories of accidents including one poor chap who was ripped apart when they inadvertently started the 45' waterwheel whilst he was maintaining it.

Copper mining was an important industry in Coniston from the 1600's to the 1900's and at its peak provided work for 600+ people. A totally fascinating day.