Derbyshire Caving Club are holding an Open Weekend at the Alderley Edge Copper Mines this month.
Guided undeground tours of Engine Vein Mine, which has been worked since the Bronze Age, will be conducted at timed intervals throughout the two days.
People will be taken down in small groups and to make the trip easier, and add to the special to the special nature of the Open Weekends, parts of the mine will be floodlit and a circular tour is arranged.
Members of Derbyshire Caving Club will be demonstrating modern rope access methods in the mine and there will also be displays about the mine history and archaelogy.
The Open Weekend will take place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April from 10am until 4pm. Timed tickets will be issued according to the number of leaders available at any one time. Tickets can be collected at any time on the day, alternatively timed tickets are available for booking before the Open Weekend.
To book timed tickets on-line (up to midday on the Friday before or until all slots are full) visit the Derbyshire Caving Club website.
If you are planning to visit during the Open Weekend you do not need to bring any special equipment. Lights and helmets will be provided but you should wear reasonable footwear and old clothes as they may get a bit sandy or muddy.
There are steps and, for some trips, a ladder that has to be climbed so you may be well advised to contact the Derbyshire Caving Club in advance if you have limited mobility or special needs so they can adapt the trip to suit your requirements.
Photo: The Blue shaft in Engine Vein, copyright Edward Coghlan.
