Explore Cornwall’s Mining Heritage

Discover the rich mining heritage and visit some mines

Cornwall has a rich mining heritage and there are many accessible trails that follow the original tramway and railway routes used to transport ore and vital supplies to and from the many tin and copper mines to ports such as Devoran (just down the hill from The Valley) and Portreath.

Tehidy Trail – this is a 2.5 mile (4km) trail with some steep sections but otherwise relatively flat.

Portreath Branchline Trail – this is a 5.5 mile (8.8km) trail which includes some sections of highway and one main road crossing which is unsuitable for horses.

Tresavean Trail – this is a 1.1 mile (1.8km) trail which is generally level and off-road.

Great Flat Lode Trail – this is a 7.5 mile (12km) trail.  This circular route has some steep sections but is mostly off-road taking you through a mixture of farmland, heathland and old mine sites.

Coast to Coast Trail – Devoran to Portreath – an 11 mile (17.5 kms) trail which is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists. The trail is generally off-road.

Redruth and Chacewater Railway Trail – this is a 7.7 mile (12.4km) trail which is based for the most part on the route of the original Redruth and Chacewater Railway. It is mostly level and off road, and occasionally crosses the public highway.