OK, I'm the first to admit that geography was never my strength at school, but the opportunity to explore one of our countries hidden gems was both fun and educational.
The Honister Slate Mines are located high up in the peaks at the head of Honister Pass in the Lake District. Upon arrival we were made to feel welcome with a hot drink and an opportunity to browse around the shop where you could buy all sorts of things cleverly made from slate.
After a short wait, it was time to embark on our journey into the depths of the mines. We were invited to join fellow novice miners for a safety talk and a chance to start learning the history. To my surprise what followed was a very inspiring story of how a helicopter pilot successfully resurrected a dying trade, into a valuable global resource and family mining business!
Surely a torch would suffice!?
We soon learnt that teamwork was paramount for this expedition, as you needed someone to help you adjust your battery pack around your waist before you could securely place your hard hat on your head (headlamps attached)!
This is when I realised it was going to be dark down there! | |
As we set off up the path I'm sure I heard others singing 'Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work we go', but thankfully our guide wasn't expecting us to work, merely listen and 'mind our heads'! Thank goodness for hard hats as those over 5ft quickly realised to mind the changes in the height of the tunnels – ouch!
Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about his trade. We learnt how traditional and new mining methods were used and heard how the current owners have relied on history, local knowledge and a lot of trial and error to develop the successful excavation techniques used today.
Back into daylight and a short walk down to the demonstration area where our guide showed us how much skill is involved when cutting slate roof tiles…all cut by hand!
After roughly two hours the tour was complete and we came away feeling privileged to have explored the mines. I would definitely recommend this trip to my friends and family – an opportunity to experience a traditional English craft and a much-needed natural resource.
Experience was at
Honister Slate Mine, Cumbria.