Wheal Peevor mine

wild location

tall chimneys

superb views

Steps up

and more steps

We set off for our daughter’s house in uncertain weather. By the time we had decided where we were going the wind had abated and sunshine had arrived. Chelle had researched the area and found a Historic Cornwall site near Redruth. Wheal Peevor mine appeared to be off the tourist’s radar as the tiny car park could only take about six cars yet we were both able to park.

I'm going this way

paths from one place...

...to another

There was no toilet on site but three of the children queued to use the one in our van The free car park gave access to a large site with paths linking the various mine buildings and several boards explaining what each place had been used for. 

sturdy foundations

It appeared that dog walkers used it but apart from meeting a couple of well behaved dogs we had the place to ourselves.

Everyone enjoyed exploring the site. Lottie gave up trying to keep the herd together as they separated down different paths. Instead she chose her path and shot ahead of the children on it. 

deep arches

what's in here?

one, two, three

window for piston arm

where's the way in?

 Nobody got lost, though cries of ‘how did you get over there’ or ‘I’m up here,’ rang out from time to time. The site was covered in gorse and heather but the paths were well maintained. One building had steps up leading inside. Soon the children were lined up looking out over a big drop but rails protected them from falling.

Lottie surveying the situation

joined by the children

When we settled down by a mine building with a tall chimney the children had worked up an appetite. Lottie lay down quietly while we ate then went into Hoover mode and sucked up any interesting crumbs left behind.

We spent nearly 4 hours and only met a handful of people but on the way back

The children dropped pebbles down a deep shaft and waited holding their breath for the clink at the bottom. “That is really deep!” Melody decided and her elder sister agreed.

The older children spotted yet another mine building nearby and set off to find it with all but their father with the youngest in the buggy following.




The path didn’t lead to the mine but gave splendid views across the whole site.

peaceful chimneys

On the way back to the cars we passed the quarry from which a lot of the stone had come from and a small cob and miniature pony was led past us to the delight of everyone.

On the drive back to Chelle’s it rained, so we had timed our day out perfectly. Chelle rustled up a delicious Bolognaise and we left for the camp site at 7.00 for a quiet evening. Both Van-Man and Lottie settled into comfy positions and had a sleep before supper.