Hi everyone,

New to this site - but getting interested in finding out more/exploring if possible old mines in my area.

Based between Padstow and Newquay, have come across heaps and heaps of mines/workings but know nothing about exploring safely so would appreciate any advice.

Really enjoying everyone's photographs 🙂 hope to be able to add some eventually!

Cheers,

Kate

Some interesting stuff up your way and somewhat different to the stuff in the Gwennap area which is my stomping ground.
Weve got all the copper and tin and you have the lead and antimony. Some very photogenic geology up around your district too. If you ever get down this way there's plenty to see
and easy if your new to Mine exploring. Send me a PM if your interested. 🙂
Roy

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Welcome Kate! Happy exploring! 🙂

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I was out looking at Trewavas the other day and bumped into a chap (with a load of rock climbing nutters) who was from Padstow. We had a chat about Padstow Consols, which I am going to have a look at at some point.

Do you do/have ropework gear/skills?

As far as I know, there are a few chaps based in Newquay who are out and about and the odd mineral collecting mission up that way from people "down here" as some of the geology/minerology is pretty unique. I am always up for meeting new people and going down a hole.

Hi Roy, Daz and Stuey, thanks for the great welcome.

I am indeed new to mine exploring, so please assume I know pretty much nothing (but am very happy to learn!).

Thanks Roy - love it when we get the chance to come down to your area so will definitely let you know.

Stuey, we're pretty unequipped at the moment, but hope to change that soon. Any tips?

There's one site I've been eyeing with intrigue for years - an entrance to a mine at a cove called Tregudda (between Trevose and Stepper point). I've heard it's a silver mine and seen a few people taking samples. The bottom drops out into a cave about 15 ft in (which I've explored from the sea side), but it does go on. Wondered if anyone, or anyone you know, has ever explored it?

Borrow/beg/buy yourself a decent caving helmet and head torch and I'm sure someone will offer to drag you around a couple of walk-in trips to familiarise yourself with the surroundings and then if you're up for it, getting on a rope.

Once I got the hang of basic ropework, I spent a lot of time with my "hole partner" going up the level of exciting and challenging trips. In my opinion, this is what a lot of people do and is the way to go.

Meet up with various people, go down various holes, learn a lot and really enjoy yourself.

The majority of people involved with going down holes are a truly excellent bunch and there are some real characters.

Post up on here when you have got yourself a hat/lamp and I'll dig my chum out and show you around somewhere interesting.

Also, make yourself known to the Carbis Bay Crew on Mine Explorer, as they are out and about and are another bunch who are always keen on showing people around some holes and mucking about on ropes. They are showing signs of beginning to muck about with cave diving and as my dad says "There are no old cave divers" :D