Situated near Lands End, Cornwall, the Botallack mine walk takes you to old engine houses situated right on the cliff edge of a dramatic world heritage site. This is the untamed and rugged area of Cornwall, the landscape being very much unchanged over the past century. The former working mines were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
There used to be over 100 engine houses in working order, loud noises, strong smells of coal and smoke and hundreds of workers rushing about. It is now a very peaceful place, with an almost eerie calm-like feel in the air. It’s hard to imagine the stark contrast of previous centuries.
Before heading on the Botallack mine walk you can visit the workshop to find out more about the mines history and to grab a map of various walks around the mines. A friendly staff member explained to me how the area in the past it would not have been calm or quiet at all.
In fact it would have been incredibly noisy with the blasts from the mines, the hammering of the workers, chains being dragged and thick smoke filling the air. Conditions were not good for the workers. The mines were dug 570m deep and ran out to half a mile into the sea.
The count house (the office), I have discovered was made to look quite well off and a thriving place. It was mostly for show for the investors and as the public face of the mining industry, to demonstrate that the work they were doing was beneficial.
The count house building served as the main office for the daily running of the mine and was where the workers picked up their pay.
It’s hard to believe the conditions that these miners had to endure, day and night.
Fast forward over a hundred years and it is now run by the National Trust and invites visitors to explore the history of the mines and to take it its stunning scenery. The dramatic landscape is so photogenic it’s now been a filming location for BBCโs Poldark.
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Walking around Botallack mine…
Now you can take a short 30 min or so walk around the main engine houses that have become such an integral part of the Cornish landscape. Head to the old count house before the walk and pick up a map, then you can head back there afterwards for tea and cake!
The walk is perfect if you are short for time but there is also the option of walking even further along the coastal path that’s lined with wildflowers. This area of Cornwall is certainly worth the visit for it’s wild beauty and its history. Not to mention just how photogenic the place is!
Photographers may end up spending quite some time here. The coastal path continues for miles so its fantastic for walkers and the staff in the workshop are so friendly and happy to answer any questions. So if you find yourself in Cornwall, then check out the mines and discover some of the fascinating Cornish history in the process.
How to get to Botallack mine
Car: This is by far the easiest to explore the mines and surrounding areas. Take the B3306 onto Botallack lane and follow it all the way down straight to the car park.
Bus: The Botallack mine walk is only 10 minutes from the nearest bus stop at the Queens Arms. Check out the official page for directions and other walking trails.
More posts from Cornwall (& Devon):
- Mousehole Cornwall: A Quaint Fishing Village
- Clovelly: The Prettiest Village in Devon?
- Kingsand and Cawsand: Undiscovered Cornwall
