Cornwall World Heritage

Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape

In the summer of 2006 parts of Cornwall and West Devon became a World Heritage Site thanks to Unesco's award of World Heritage Status to their Mining Landscape (Cornish Mining), centred around 10 areas of the former mining districts of both counties.

The Citation recognised the technological advances social and economic influences, not just on Cornwall, but the UK and across the World too. For nearly 20 years the region produced two thirds of the World's supply of copper.

World Heritage Site: Places to see

Cornwall Mine History Levant Mine the Beam Winding Engine. Take a surface tour maybe lead by a former miner. See the old dressing floors; climb down the granite spiral staircase to explore the miners dry, look down the shaft. On a clear day there are fine views north along the Cornish Coast towards Pendeen lighthouse .

Cornish Tin Mine- Geevor. Though closed to production since 1990 Geevor Tin Mine is one of Cornwall's largest tin mines. At its peak employing up to 400 people, with workings extending far out under the sea, reaching a depth of 350 fathoms. Now managed as a Heritage Centre and Museum- the county's largest preserved mining site. Set amidst the magnificent coastal scenery of Cornwall's Atlantic coast. Whilst steam buffs will might enjoy a visit to East Pool near Redruth to see the massive 90" Taylors shaft pumping engine.

A short drive along the Cornish coast from St Agnes. Wheal Coates winding house is one of the most photographed in Cornwall, ablaze of purple heather and golden gorse in late summer. Situated high on a cliff half a mile north up the Coastal Path from the Car Park at Chapel Porth.

Carn Galver. Situated prominently by the St Ives to Lands End coast road are the ruined Pumping and Winding Houses of Carn Galver Mine. Now consolidated by the National Trust. The mine takes its name from the granite outcrop on the landward side of the road. A few miles along the coast is Botallack and Wheal Owles. Keen walkers might like to follow the Coastal Path at Botallack and see the two engine houses perched on the cliffs.

Copper Mine Read of the hard reality of Mining in Cornwall. The life of a miner was a hard tough one barely able to make a subsistence living. Food would have been dried fish, bread and cheese. Often they would have to walk several miles to work each day. Many were tutworkers, (paid on piecework). Miners were even expected to pay for their own candles, and explosive (note dynamite was not invented until 1867), tool sharpening and doctor.

Walk or cycle the Pentewan Valley Trail. Pentewan used to be an important Port. Though the Harbour entrance is now blocked by sand, the Harbour Basin with its wooden sluice gates, like the sleepy village itself is a delight. Another such largely off road route is the Great Flat Lode Trail nr Redruth. Part of the Mineral Tramways network of three linking mainly off road trails following the route of now disused mining tracks- meandering through the former tin and copper mining belt around Redruth and Camborne. For very keen riders Cornwall Cycling The Coast to Coast - 15 miles from Portreath to Devoran on the South Coast

Hayle now more famous for its 3 miles of golden sands. A hundred and fifty years ago the town was at the summit of its industrial glory. Harvey's massive foundry complex dominated, producing steam engines for use not only in Cornwall's mines but mines the World over.

Tamar Valley Tamar Arch Bridge An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In the mid 19th century the mines of the Tamar valley made it the largest copper producing area in the World. In West Devon Tavistock was a Stannary Town.

Trevithick Day Festivities watch the celebration of his life. See the sights, sounds and smells as the steam engines climb Camborne Hill. Richard Trevithick 1771-1833, is widely regarded as the father of the high pressure steam engine. There is something very special and so evocative about several dozen steam engines working, particularly as they wind their way through the narrow streets of this Camborne Cornish town. Held on the last Saturday of April.

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