Open day at the processing mill at Force Crag Mine
Brought to you by the National Trust for GeoWeek and the Festival of Archaeology. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit the processing mill at Force Crag Mine.
- Booking not needed
The processing mill at Force Crag Mine holds the most complete assemblage of metal ore mining machinery preserved in-situ anywhere in England. Although the underground tunnels have collapsed, we would like to give you this rare opportunity to take a look around the processing mill. Come and see how the rock ore being extracted from the mine was turned into the finished product sold to market. A rusty ‘tin shed’ beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this building is a tribute to human engineering and ingenuity, and it has a powerful story to tell about humanity’s impact on the planet. Being the last working mine in the Lake District, having closed in 1991, it has been designated as an Ancient Scheduled Monument and a Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest. Whether for its historical or geological significance, or simply for the views, come and take a look for yourself!
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| All | £5.00 |
The basics
- Suitability
This event is not designed for small children, ages 12 and up welcome!
- Meeting point
Force Crag Mine processing mill at head of Coledale - Grid Ref NY199216, what3words:///admire.amounting.martini. Please meet us at the mill itself which must be accessed by foot or bicycle.
- What to bring and wear
Please bring cash - there's no signal for card payments. Bring warm layers, gloves and a hat. There are no shops nearby, bring your own food and refreshments.
- Accessibility
In an effort to make this event more inclusive, we are offering transportation from the parking lot to the mill so please book via the second event page if you require transport. The processing mill is off-grid and so there is neither heating nor lighting. It contains steep narrow staircases, narrow passageways and is dimly lit. A hill must be climbed on gravel paths to access the building.
- Other
last tour starts at 2:30pm. Please bring cash as we are not able to take card payment due to unreliable mobile signal. This event will go ahead come rain or shine. Tours are an hour long. When you arrive at the mill building you may need to wait 15-20 minutes for the next tour to start. You will not go underground – the tunnels have collapsed and are unsafe. You will get a tour of the mill building. The mill is at the end of 2 miles of unsurfaced track from Braithwaite village (access by foot or bicycle only unless you book with transport through our other event page). The mill can be a bit tricky to find so if unsure, please search for and download the map for the trail "Miles Without Stiles 30: Braithwaite to Force Crag Mine" on the Lake District National Park website.
Upcoming events
Inclusive Ramble - Friar's Crag & Cockshot Wood
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a short guided taster walk suitable for off-road mobility equipment.
Inclusive Ramble - Calf Close Bay circular
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a walk to the inspiring viewpoint at Broomhill Point.
Inclusive Ramble - Great Wood viewpoint
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a challenging guided walk through Great Wood.
Canoe taster sessions
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake and maybe try something new.