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The mine is at the end of the track originally built for
carts bringing lead ore down from the mines. The first part
of the track runs through the nature reserve and you will
be able to see many fine trees at the wayside.
Look out for an old beech with woodpecker holes right next
to the path. The top of the wood was originally an oak plantation,
probably planted for charcoal production.
Just beyond the gate, the road forks and you take the left
hand track continuing up the hill. You will reach another
gate and a wooden bridge over a steep gully. This is not an
ancient bridge but the stone abutments built by the miners
are worth a look - a lot of work for a small bridge.
The path then leaves the wood and climbs across the open hill
until you reach the spoil heaps of the old lead mine.
When you get to the flat area at the top, spend some time
looking at the spoil heaps, you will almost certainly find
some silver-blue crystals of galena, lead sulphide, glinting
among the stones.
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