Coniston Mines · AditNow Community

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yndson
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

Hey all, new member here!

I'm quite a regular round the Coniston area wetting my feet somewhat in the quarries and was wondering if anyone had any tips / directions for the larger & more challenging mines around that area. I know of the ones listed on this site but unsure of even where to start.

If anyone can name any more relatively safe and enjoyable mines to see in that area or in Lancashire I would be extremely grateful!

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rufenig
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

I hope that you have read up about the Copper mines on line and the printed books.
There is a lot of facinating stuff there but also many dangers even for experienced mine explorers. Also quite a bit of equipment needed to get to some places.

I would suggest meeting up with one of the local clubs, I am sure you will be welcome.

Hopefully someone will add contact details for you.
:smartass:

christwigg
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

The three files on the site about the copper mines give a huge amount of information

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/documents/Coniston-Copper-Mine/CMR-Part-1.pdf
http://www.aditnow.co.uk/documents/Coniston-Copper-Mine/CMR-Part-2.pdf
http://www.aditnow.co.uk/documents/Coniston-Copper-Mine/CMR-Part-3.pdf

But as mentioned above, I wouldn't put any of them in the category of 'safe' or for beginners.

christwigg
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

"rufenig" wrote:

I would suggest meeting up with one of the local clubs, I am sure you will be welcome.

Hopefully someone will add contact details for you.
:smartass:

http://www.catmhs.org.uk/

yndson
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

I had previously glanced over the .pdf christwigg had kindly linked so looking at them again. I am aware of the dangers inside Coniston Copper Mines but in truth, I am a vastly inexperienced miner with only a background in urban exploration. I have also set my sights on Great Douk and that region as, from what I gather, it is a little more accessible and "user-friendly" in light of those inexperienced ones. Joining a group seems a little daunting right now as well. Would like to whet my appetite and see how it progresses first.

Thanks for the replies as well.

rufenig
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

You should find a lot of people in the club are friendly to a newcomer.
They will be fine and understand if you go along just to see how you get along with the group and with mine exploring.

christwigg
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Have you done the slate quarries on the Old Man of Coniston yet ?

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/Mines/Old-Man-Slate-Mine_2964/

Theres a huge chamber in there (if not by Welsh standards)
No special gear required to get there.

[photo]97449[/photo]

legendrider
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

good thinking Chris, posing an Action Man in the back of the squeeze for scale ;D

br MARK

festina lente[i]

yndson
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

The slate quarry looks immense! Is there anywhere for me to get directions to it or just good old google search?

christwigg
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

#10

Just follow your nose to the top of the slate tips.

The main footpath up the Old Man via Low Water goes right though the lower workings where there are lots of buildings to investigate.

Higher up the mountain and away from the footpath in the red circle is where you want to look.

There are three interconnecting ways in that bring you out at various heights in the chamber.

🔗101370[linkphoto]101370[/linkphoto][/link]

If you want maps and exact locations, theres an inexpensive leaflet on the CATMHS shop page.

http://www.catmhs.org.uk/pubs.php

The Coniston Old Man Trail . £1.00 plus 80p p&p