Report - Penny Rigg Copper Mill and the Tilberthwaite deep level adit - Coniston, Cumbria - March 2022

[MK83]

History - The Tilberthwaite deep level adit was first driven in 1849 by John Barret to connect with the extensive Tilberthwaite Copper mines, and as well as acting for drainage, to allow the passing of ore from higher levels. At the mouth was constructed the Penny Rigg Copper Mill, which was the copper-processing plant for this part of the mine. The adit is over 3,000 ft long, and still drains much of the workings. In 1933 John Willie Shaw noticed that the adit had cut through an area of good slate about 300 ft from the surface. He continued working this until 1938 - by which time he had become too old.

Explore - We had a few hours spare so decided to have a drive up to the lakes after seeing a few good reports on some on the small mines and quarries in the area. Decided to have a look at this place first after seeing an extensive report by @urbanchemist on the copper mining around this area. We had very limited time before we had to get back so we explored as much as we could but have only covered a small part of the stuff in this area. It was an enjoyable day and an awesome place, will definitely be going back to cover the rest.

The Adit/Slate Mine

Another Entrance further round the hillside, didn't have time to follow this one.

Copper Mill Remains

Water wheel pit

This building has been re-used by someone and is full of various random items and tools

Thanks for looking

 

[Calamity Jane]

Nice set. These mines & remains never cease to disappoint.

 

[Mikeymutt]

Lovely comprehensive set mate.

 

[Ferox]

Nice pics there mate and a great report.

 

[MK83]

Nice set. These mines & remains never cease to disappoint.

Thanks Jane, it is a cool little mine.

Lovely comprehensive set mate.

Thanks mikey. Not as comprehensive as some reports as we ran out of time.

Nice pics there mate and a great report.

Cheers. It has some decent bits for a small mine.

 

[Down and beyond]

That was a catmhs dig site to create a through trip it took 7 years to dig out and make safe , the trip is not possible anymore because the upper adit collapsed in stopping it , definitely should be wearing a helmet in their not moaning at you just saying friendly advice where them bags are your photographing is a seriously wobbly spot mate

 

[MK83]

That was a catmhs dig site to create a through trip it took 7 years to dig out and make safe , the trip is not possible anymore because the upper adit collapsed in stopping it , definitely should be wearing a helmet in their not moaning at you just saying friendly advice where them bags are your photographing is a seriously wobbly spot mate

We had hard hats with us, we just took them off while we were dicking about in the slate cavern. Although I find I bang my head more when I have a hard hat on for some reason.

 

[NoirLune]

Nice. I'd never do an underground thingymebob like this, I ain't got the balls for it. Glad others can go and get pics though.

 

[MK83]

Nice. I'd never do an underground thingymebob like this, I ain't got the balls for it. Glad others can go and get pics though.

This place is only small and is basically one long tunnel. Some big derelict buildings are worse tbh.