A chance to check out Alderley’s largest mine

Derbyshire Caving Club is offering a special opportunity to take an extended trip down Alderley Edge’s largest old copper mine.

The advanced expedition on Tuesday 7th October is down West Mine and will involve significant ladder climbing. It is a more strenuous event than their regular expeditions and therefore suitable for over 14’s only. Allowing for going to and from the entrance, the trip is likely to last for two and a half hours.

Nigel Dibben, of Derbyshire Caving Club, said “Trips to West Mine provide an opportunity to see part of one of the largest copper mines at Alderley Edge where the main chamber is some 100m long, 15m high and 30 m wide. In the time available, you will not see all of the mine but you will see a large proportion of it with high and low passages, ladders, climbs and a lot of walking. From the entrance to the deepest point visited is about 40 m, as much as 9 double-decker buses stacked on each other.

“In total, we estimate that there are about 6 miles of passages on several levels. West Mine was worked for copper (and lead) between about 1857 and 1877 and again in the 1910s. It was blocked completely in the mid-1960s and then re-opened for controlled visits by the Derbyshire Caving Club in 1975. We do not hold Open Days at West Mine because access is limited to 14-year olds and over and also involves climbing down five fixed ladders, just to reach the main chamber. However, for the reasonably fit, it can be a worthwhile and interesting trip, if a bit tiring on the way out.”

People are advised to wear old clothes and suitable boots, helmets with lamps will be provided,

Booking and payment in advance is essential. Cost £11. Book online via eventbrite.co.uk.

The trip will take place between 7pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday 7th October.

For more information visit the Derbyshire Caving Club website or call 01625 374833.

Photos courtesy of Edward Coghlan