Trips into the Coniston Coppermines are now quite routine, especially the Through Route from Levers Water to Hospital Level. This was not always the case. Intrepid mine explorers first re-discovered the Coniston mines in the mid 1970s and thankfully their exploits and discoveries were recorded in the first three journals of the mining history group Cumbria Amenity Trust (C.A.T.). Not everyone has had access to them so after detailed talks with the author and the sharing of ideas they are now going to be made available here as PDF files with photos added for the first time (Part2&3 will be added later).
Part1 covers the exploration of the Red Dell workings and has now been added to the “Coniston Copper Mine” page:
http://www.aditnow.co.uk/mines/Coniston-Copper-Mine/ Part2 covers the exploration of the Paddy End workings and pushing the Through Route.
Part3 covers the discoveries of Levers Water Mine, Top Level Extension and the exploration of Brow Stope.
Plans and sketches of the mines are included and greatly add to the articles...especially the more extensive Part 2&3.
Printing off the plans and key which are in portrait view will make it easier to follow the text.
These articles should be a welcome reference and historical record for those with an interest in the Coniston mine.
Jeff