Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project
The Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project is located in the heart of the Tamar Valley – a unique and beautiful landscape, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but with a distinctly industrial past.
It’s an area of steep wooded valleys, a slow flowing river and overgrown riverbanks. Everywhere, you can see evidence of deep, dark mines and hard-working communities, which would have driven an entire industry in the area.
This protected landscape forms part of a series of sites in Cornwall and West Devon recognised as a World Heritage Site, known as Cornish and West Devon Mining.
It was copper mining that made the Tamar Valley internationally famous in the 19th and early 20th century. The whole of the Tamar Valley was transformed through mining and the work that followed, such as the construction of transport networks and quays. The mine chimneys now form part of the local scenery, as well as hidden quays, overgrown tracks, half-visible mine adits, and barren hillside spoil-tips - all waiting to be discovered.
The Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project aims to celebrate and tell the story of the Tamar Valley’s rich mining heritage through a new network of recreation routes. Phase 1 is now open!
Journey through the Valley along old transport systems such as tramways and railways, exploring the mining history as well as stunning natural landscapes.
It’s an area full of unusual names, buildings, people and practices - all influenced by their mining past. The story of the Valley’s past and present will be told through different voices as you travel through these sites.
Explore the PROJECTS & NEWS section of the website to find out more about the trails, and the community groups who have supported the project.
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