Stepping
over the rock in the entrance we entered the level, and we were greeted by very
cold water, which just reached above mid thigh - thank god. Having been outside
for the last 3 hours or so and warmed up, the water felt extra cold.
A
few metres in and we came across a large spiders web along the top half of the
level, ducking under this so not to wreck the fellows home, we made our way
along the level. It was clear to see that the old man had utilised the fracture
in the rock to drive this level, as the lower half was smooth rock, that had
presumably been easy to work, whilst higher up pick marks could clearly be
seen. After a few minutes we came to a junction. The right hand way was a blind
and had been driven on for a metre or so, the fact that it did not go anywhere
was not in the slightest disappointing - the walls and roof of the blind were
an excellent example of the coffin level shape, and the markings of the last
people to work it could be seen in full splendor.
The left branch took
us to the base of a rubble slope, which were deads that had fallen from the old
stope workings above. Taking some more photographs of the coffin level and pick
marks we retraced our route out and back into daylight. A short trip, but a
fantastic end to our first day at Coniston.
Click on
the thumbnails for a full picture and description.
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Cobblers Level Trip Index
      
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