The best walks and hikes around Gwennap

Wheal Busy forms part of the World Heritage Site through its importance to tin and copper mining during the 18th and 19th centuries and is also one of the historic mine sites on the Mineral Tramways Coast to Coast Trail, which links Devoran in the south with Portreath to the north. The extensive conservation work at Wheal Busy was facilitated by Natural England’s land management team in Cornwall, working in partnership with the landowners the Tregothnan Estate. The works were funded through a Higher-Level Stewardship agreement. Wheal Busy is thought to have its origins in the latter 1600s and during the following two centuries the mine was to experience important innovations in steam pumping technology. A Newcomen Atmospheric Engine was put to work by around 1726 and a Smeaton improved atmospheric engine was on site by the latter 1770s. The renowned Scottish engineer James Watt was also to personally oversee the installation of the first Boulton & Watt separate condenser engine to work in Cornwall, which started in September 1777. You can find more information about the conservation of this Engine House using the following link: https://www.cornishmining.org.uk/conservation/projects/2015-wheal-busy-scheduled-monument-conservation

The remains of the bases for Californian stamps are among the most prominent remnants at Poldice Mine. These machines crushed ore-bearing rocks into fine sand, contributing to significant noise across the valley. Unlike traditional Cornish stamps, Californian stamps operated more rapidly and thoroughly, with each stamp head capable of crushing 1.5 tons of ore daily compared to the one ton processed by Cornish stamps.

In tin production, ore was roasted above 300°C to remove impurities such as sulphur and arsenic which otherwise made the cast tin brittle. If arsenic was desired, fumes from the calciner passed through a long flue known as a 'lambreth' or labyrinth, where the gas cooled and condensed, forming arsenic crystals on the walls. When sufficient had collected, the calciners were stopped, iron doors in the lambreth were opened, and the arsenic ‘soot’ was swept off the walls and shovelled out. Workers put wads of cotton wool in their nostrils and a cloth over their mouths. and followed strict washing regulations, but still experienced skin irritations. Some workers were believed to have developed partial immunity, and folklore suggested arsenic improved complexion and hair condition. The lambreth had a tall stack at the end to create a strong through draught and also to reduce the damage caused by the noxious fumes.

Built in 1897, this calciner was used to roast arsenic ore - check out the date above the archway. Arsenic gas was driven off by the heat and travelled towards the stack higher up the hill and through the labyrinth, or lambreth, where it condensed on the walls. See this link for a diagram of the Brunton roasting furnace with the revolving hearth upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Brunton_roasting_furnace.png

This is a welcome stop and popular with both hikers and cyclists.

Impressive industrial remains, a great place to walk but note the warning signs related to the tailings from Mount Wellington, in the lagoons, which contain heavy metals and arsenic.

Harbour of Devoran: nice view and seat for resting

Everything a cyclist needs. Great food, great drinks and a selection of essential spares.