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lr85
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

okay so I think the first mine we will explore is mouldridge as recommended on here, starting to do a little home work and one think keeps cropping up, mainly the fact most these mines are gated and finding out how to access them is difficult, I know some would be keen to keep people out for obvious reasons but you guys are getting in so I'm wondering what the knack is?

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RJV
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Despite praise of its much vaunted key, Derbyshire does have probably more locked gates than any of the northern counties & is one of the few places that you might find yourself having to pay to go underground but details should be found here.
www.thedca.org.uk/access-information/dca-handbook

AR
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Mouldridge is a "cat-flap" gate, hinged at the top. There's usually a bit of wood left just inside to prop it up but please close it once you're in/out - as I've said to a number of people in the past, the main purpose of that gate is to keep sheep out, not let us in!

Of the other mines I previously mentioned, only Devonshire requires use of spanner or mole grips to open the door, and there are several ungated adits in the Via Gellia of varying length and complexity.

Follow the horses, Johnny my laddie, follow the horses canny lad-oh!

lr85
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

Thanks for the link that's what I was looking for.
AR with regards to other local mines is there something suitable for us to explore close to mouldridge? I only ask because it's a decent drive for us we'd want to make a day of it. From previous experience I'd prefer to stay out of anything to complex until I've sussed a way of navigating properly

exspelio
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

You could see if anyones going to be around at Good Luck Mine;
http://www.goodluckmine.org.uk/

You pass it on your way to Mouldridge.

Always remember, nature is in charge, get it wrong and it is you who suffers!.

AR
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

If you can't get anyone out to take you round Goodluck on your chosen day, I'd suggest trying Groaning Tor level which is a little further down the Via Gellia, on the hillside behind the mill and right next to the footpath so easy to find. There are others in the valley but they're either hard to find or unsuitable for the inexperienced.

Follow the horses, Johnny my laddie, follow the horses canny lad-oh!

lr85
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

thanks guys, goodluck mine says only sundays whereas we will be about mid week, ill check out Groaning tor level for a possible jaunt while in the area. which maps are best for location these mines? just os or is there something better?

mistericeman
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Holme bank Chert mine at Bakewell is worth a visit if your in the area.... Think insurance is now required for official access though.

AR
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

The OS map will show you where the footpath up Groaning Tor is, and the mine is on the database here under its alternative name of Hallicarr Wood Level (http://www.aditnow.co.uk/mines/Hallicar-Wood-Level-Lead-Mine/), the location shown on the map is accurate. There are a couple of other small mines close to Goodluck, Spencers and Henstocks Levels are pretty much next door though both are fairly short, while Dunsley Springs (Yulecheese) Level is on the opposite side of the valley above Tufa Cottage. There's also Bonsall Lees Level which is the big obvious adit at the side of the road but it doesn't go very far.

Follow the horses, Johnny my laddie, follow the horses canny lad-oh!

lr85
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

#10

Wow, we went and did mouldridge today and had a great time getting muddy and scruffed up, we also went and had a look at groaning tor level but .. ahem... we you see the tight bit was full of european cave spiders and having only discovered they exist a month ago in Cornwall we're not 100% comfortable with crawling through them i'm a celebrity style! However Knowledge dispels fear and i'll gather some knowledge on our 8 legged friends, honestly i never knew spiders in Britain grew so big!:blink:

Anyway just like to say a massive thanks for helping us 🙂

exspelio
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

#11

They're not European, dem's Derbyshire spiders, face them down and they will not eat you, if they do, report them to me;)

Always remember, nature is in charge, get it wrong and it is you who suffers!.

lr85
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

#12

"exspelio" wrote:
They're not European, dem's Derbyshire spiders, face them down and they will not eat you, if they do, report them to me;)

Do I not send you in to clear them out first? ;)
Seriously one was that big he threatened to pinch my torch;D