Tynebottom
Mine was first worked by the Earl of Carlisle and Company from 1771 to 1798,
and then by the London Lead Company from 1798 to 1873. There are two adits into
the mine, and both intersect the North Vein. The two levels are known as
Wisen's Level or more commonly as Tynebottom A, which is the level from the
footpath and the Sun Vein Level or known more commonly as Tynebottom B that
emerges near the river.
Only a small part of the mine is accessible
now, but it is very extensive and has a number of surface shafts along its
principle veins - Windshaw Bridge Vein and the North Vein. The workings on the
Windshaw Bridge Vein extend over 1000m and on the North Vein they reach 600m.
Towards the forehead on the North Vein there are shaft connections into
Whitesike Level via Bunkershill and the Clay Levels.
The mine is used by
outdoor centres for commercial trips, the trip being in through one of the
adits, across the North Vein Flats and then out via the other adit.
NOTE: access to the adits is from the Pennine Way footpath, this
however crosses private land and there is a little known agreement where
explorers should leave a payment of £1.00 / per head in an envelope at
Bridgeview cottage (opposite the green) in Garrigill. If approached by the land
owner please be respectful and bite your tongue if you feel the need for
arguments. The situation is fragile and that last thing needed is a sealed
entrance.
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