Isle of Man accessible mines?

[Pete K]

My wife and I are off to the Isle of Man for a week in early September. Does anyone know of any accessible mine sites or local mining groups out there who could be approached to arrange a trip? My brief searching has drawn a blank but I figured someone here would be able to provide a better answer than Google anyway. TIA.

 

[alastairgott]

Laxey mines research group seem to do most of it over there. Even the sign for bradda head had their name on it.

 

[pwhole]

I briefly gained access to the adit at Laxey on a short visit a few years ago on a free afternoon on a job, but it was only 50m in or so to a locked gate - the site wasn't technically open, but the guy took pity on us as we were going back home the next day, and we'd driven from Douglas just to see that (I told him). But he did say that the research group were the folks to talk to, and they do grant access to deeper workings, by arrangement. I think there are a few shafts (some inclined) to lower levels, but they don't go as deep as the mine does, as I think much is now flooded. I'm sure if you contacted them and told them what you do, you'd get a trip out of them.

 

[Pete K]

Cheers folks. Will ping them a message.

 

[alastairgott]

Make sure you order up the weather!

 

[moorebooks]

Cheers folks. Will ping them a message.

contact Pete Geddes

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Miners' memorial photo taken in July.
Isn't there some odd law that mine exploring is illegal on the IoM which means you'd have to make contact with people from the great Laxey mine to really see much?

 

[AR]

I believe so - a bit like Germany where all abandoned mines are under state control and illegal to enter without permission.

 

[moorebooks]

View attachment 16575

Miners' memorial photo taken in July.
Isn't there some odd law that mine exploring is illegal on the IoM which means you'd have to make contact with people from the great Laxey mine to really see much?

To be correct its the Laxey Mines Research Group they are members of NAMHO and receive funding from the Manx Government . They are busy exploring Bradda Head at the moment . There is plenty to see on IoM just a matter of going through the right people . You can understand their government not wanting poorly equipped tourists wandering underground like some of the numpties we have over here. The state in many places effectively control access in many countries and don't encourage mine explorers this applies in Ireland, Holland, France and Spain to my knowledge.

I would also say in Shropshire (SCMC) we control access to several mines a lot of that is to do with agreements we have with the landowners but through the club we coordinate access to all legitmate clubs and explorers

Mike

 

[Pete K]

Thanks to those who pointed us in the right direction. LMRG took us into Laxey Main Adit on Wednesday evening. Highly recommended if you're on the island. In fact, I'd thoroughly recommend the Isle of Man to anyone who has not been before, it is stunning.

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Lovely pics, if I ask Really nicely, could you post a couple more please?

 

[Pete K]

Sure. There is a proper album here:

Isle of Man mining trip

A trip led by the Laxey Mines Research Group, who we are very grateful to for the chance to see this mine.

www.flickr.com

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Thank you

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Well it's not a mine, but it is Isle of man themed.
Excluding 2 short "Portage" sections. The run time from Snaefell summit station to the depot just above Miners' Statue Laxey in 12 minutes. No speed adjustments on video, that is exactly how it was

 

[LJR]

Pete,
That’s a lovely photo of the forepoling in the main adit.
Terry and I did that in the early 90’s when we were contracted to the IOM government to re-open the adit.
Les