Hidden beneath The Edge

by Lisa Reeves

Wednesday 9^th January 2013

Wed 9^th Jan 2013

We loved this stunning photo of the main chamber of West Mine which we thought our readers would also appreciate.

The photo was taken on 11th December 2012 by Edward Coglan from the Derbyshire Caving Club who organise tours of the mines all year round.

West Mine is the largest of the Alderley mines which consists of approximately six miles of mainly 19th Century tunnels on three levels.

The main workings at West Mine were carried out by the Alderley Edge Mining Company between 1857 and 1877 and the mine was finally blocked up in the early 1960s.

Derbyshire Caving Club shows visitors around West Mine, Wood Mine or Engine Vein on guided trips and twice a year they hold Open Days when people can visit either Wood Mine or Engine Vein without prior arrangement.

The dates of the next Open Days are 27th and 28th April 2013 and the venue is planned to be Engine Vein.

For further information visit the Derbyshire Caving Club website.

Click 'next photo' above or play the slideshow for a selection of photos of Westmine and one of the Blue shaft in Engine Vein (second photo), copyright Edward Coghlan.

Tags:: Alderley Mines, Derbyshire Caving Club

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Vince Chadwick

Wednesday 9^th January 2013 at 3:50 pm

Anyone who hasn't yet been down the Alderley mines should do it. It really is a fabulous experience. I've been down West Mine, Wood Mine, and Engine Vein Mine, and each was a most interesting and enjoyable experience.

Sarah Lane

Wednesday 9^th January 2013 at 4:38 pm

Stunning. I was unaware that you could still go down the mines. Will look into this as would be fascinating.

Paul Stubbs

Wednesday 9^th January 2013 at 7:51 pm

Anyone wishing to go down the mines for a tour can either contact me on 01614933132 ask for Paul or go to the Derbyshire Caving Club website: this also will put you in contact with me.
A group of 10 people is ideal but i can cater for up to 24, all you need is good stout foot wear ie; walking boots or wellingtons and clothes that you would not mind getting a bit dirty, we can cater the trips to take in account age and flexibality so no need to worry!
We meet Tuesday nights 7pm opposite the wizard restraunt in the little white house, so if you feel the need please feel free to ring!

Wednesday 9^th January 2013 at 8:06 pm

I would love to go on a tour but could not get together a group of 10 but if you do get a group together perhaps I could join that. My children are to young but would love it.

Friday 11^th January 2013 at 2:14 pm

Should of added, children welcome at any age the youngest we have had around the mines are babies in arms! so no need to worry it's safe.
If you have a smaller group still ring as i may be able to add you to another group.

Christopher Widger

Monday 21^st January 2013 at 11:08 am

Ed, your photos are stunning and provide a fascinating glimpse into the world beneath the Edge.

The mines at the Edge are of huge significance, as are the related features which litter the surface amongst the woods. Find out more about what make the place so special at http://www.nationaltrust/alderley-edge

Eric Rowland

Tuesday 29^th January 2013 at 10:02 pm

This wonderful picture certainly brings back happy memories for me. In the early 50s, I used to spend my week-ends down West Mine, exploring. When I look back and recall, as a lad of eighteen, strolling across the Plank Shaft - reputed to be 90 feet deep - and crossing the bare face of the Curtain - all without safety equipment - I shudder. Luckily, my parents were not aware of the hair-raising things we got up to down there.
One thing I do recall, is that the temperature underground remained pretty constant, winter or summer.
I worked on the coal face at Bradford colliery at the time, so it was really something of a busman's holiday.
Happy days!