Here are walls rather than a wall – walls left by the Tin Mining Industry that was such an important part of Cornwall’s history. These are the relics of the workings at South Wheal Frances – not quite as the brief described but still, walls with stories and history.You could find out more here if you are interested.
For other interesting interpretations of this week’s Photo Challenge, click here.
I have just picked up this message which you may find interesting. Wheal Frances is on The Great Flat Lode Trail.
Someone has messaged me asking what ‘The Great Flat Lode’ is all about, so I thought I’d post an explanation to all.
The Great Flat Lode is a tin rich seam which cuts across the upland area south of Redruth and Camborne. Despite its name its not very flat and dips into the ground at about 45deg. However, all terms are relative, most other seams dip at 70-90deg,
Many mines were sunk where the Great Flat Lode is found near the ground surface. Many of these mines were linked to each other with ‘tramways’ most of these used horse drawn skips on rails which were used to carry coal from the coast (mainly Portreath, Hayle and Devoran), to the mines and to carry the tin and copper ore from the mine to the processing areas and/or to the coast for export.
Today the routes of those old tramways have been converted to the ‘Mineral Tramways Trail’ which provides mainly level, traffic-free access to one of Cornwall’s historic mining regions. There are over 37 miles (60km), of paths including the circular Great Flat Lode and the coast-to-coast Portreath-Devoran Tramway. The trails connect to other routes established including The Cornish Way and the South West Coastal Footpath.
