Coniston through trip condition · AditNow Community

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Pete Monkhouse
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

5 years ago

Hello! Heading up this weekend, one potential thing on the agenda being the pull through trip from the Levers water entrance to Hospital level. Done this a couple of times, but not for a few years. Is there anything new in terms of it's condition?
Many thanks, Pete

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Monty Stubble
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

5 years ago

The Copper mines have always been an ever-changing environment.

The through-trip has changed.

Just be careful.

The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time.
Henry David Thoreau

Pete Monkhouse
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

5 years ago

Well- I appreciate that they are always changing. The first time we did the trip we rigged it and went through to make sure it was open, then did it again pulling the ropes down. To save having to do that this time, I’m really just asking if there was (for example) a collapse making the trip impossible.
Cheers, Pete

alex17595
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

5 years ago

Just to tag on to this thread, is there much to see for the more casual 'walk in' explorer at Coniston?

Pete Monkhouse
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

5 years ago

Firstly, there’s lots of interest on the surface. Deep level used to be a nice walk in to some interesting shafts - it’s now necessary to get wet but still very worth a look. Hospital level is interesting and goes a fair way - you need a harness and cows tails to pass holes in the floor. Several other levels (Taylor’s, Flemings, cobblers etc) worth going into as far as the stopes.

Have a look on here under Coniston - lots of info and surveys. And get a copy of ‘Coniston copper mines -a field guide’ by Eric Holland.

alex17595
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

5 years ago

Thanks Pete, Cowstails are the one bit of equipment that I do have so clipping on to a rope is not an issue. Are there ropes left in situ by the holes?

I plan to visit Old Man slate mine anyway so it's pretty much on the way up.

How wet is wet? Neck deep, waders?

ttxela
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

5 years ago

There's an amusing little level as you leave coniston to go up the track to coppermines valley where the bridge crosses the stream. It's in the face of the waterfall and you have to wade through the pool to get to it.

It's in Eric's book.

Jim MacPherson
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

5 years ago

For the surface wanderers there is also the reinstalled waterwheel;

https://www.cumbriacrack.com/2019/10/25/spectacular-waterwheel-returns-to-conistons-copper-mines-valley/

There was a bit on Look North yesterday as well, mainly about the construction process.

Jim

Pete Monkhouse
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

5 years ago

There are (were) fixed wire traverse lines and pretty solid planks over the holes in the floor of Hospital level. Deep level is (was) thigh deep, possibly wet goolies. Not done either for a couple of years but up there this weekend so could update you after that!

alex17595
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

5 years ago

#10

Thanks for all the information. Are many of the levels gated?

Looks like I might be booking some lodging for a trip then. I don't like the look of those stemple traverses that I have seen.

Pete Monkhouse
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

5 years ago

#11

The stemple traverses are on some of the more serious routes. Unless things have changed the only gated levels are the ones ending in shafts just inside, so unless you’re descending the shaft there’s no issue with the gates. A lot of care needed everywhere though! 🙂

Hattlebags
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

5 years ago

#12

PM sent

Pete Monkhouse
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

5 years ago

#13

"Pete Monkhouse" wrote:
There are (were) fixed wire traverse lines and pretty solid planks over the holes in the floor of Hospital level. Deep level is (was) thigh deep, possibly wet goolies. Not done either for a couple of years but up there this weekend so could update you after that!

Traverse lines are new and solid. Deep level is over welly depth but not much worse than that 🙂