On a wet and horrible day last Saturday we decided the best place to go to have an exploring adventure with our neice and nephew were the mines of Nenthead nr Alston. These old lead mines are looked after by a charity and access is open to the public...very much at your own risk! Which is great to see a tiny part of country still allowing people to use their own common sense rather than just banning it.
With a bit of local info from a guide and a survey we headed into Smallcleugh Mine, with the kids leading the way!
It was pretty wet in places, with deep puddles and mud...perfect for family fun!
The Family posing in one of the larger caverns. It was cold and wet outside, hence all the clobber.
Auntie Ali and Hannah. Hannah said it was one of the best adventures ever!
Because its limestone you get cave like features such as these stalgtites
Auntie Laura having fun
Thomas with the map leading the way, although we were just following our noses until it looked unsafe.
This is part of a Horse Gin, which was used to winch water up a shaft and pour it back down again to circulate air in the mine.
We were probably in there for an hour before tea and cake beckoned, but will definitely be back with more info.
