23 May 2026, Holmbush Mine, located just north of Kelly Bray in the Tamar Valley, #Mining #history

Holmbush Mine, located just north of Kelly Bray in the Tamar Valley, is a fascinating, peaceful heritage site. It features dramatic, ivy-covered Victorian engine houses and towering stone chimneys. The ruins are easily accessible via a short, family-friendly woodland walk through the Duchy of Cornwall's Holmbush Wood. Key Features of Holmbush Mine The Ruins: The highlight is the castle-like Hitchen's engine house and a rare surviving copper crusher house.Historical Significance: Active from the 1600s until 1923, this was once the largest mine in the Callington area, producing lead, silver, copper, and arsenic. The Walk: The Tamar Valley National Landscape Holmbush Mine Walk is a gentle, 1.5-mile (2.4km) circuit that takes about 45 minutes. It winds through deciduous trees and provides a great look at the spoil heaps and historical structures. Safety First: The site is on Duchy of Cornwall land, and visitors are advised to stick to the well-worn paths to avoid un-capped shafts and drops. The Surrounding Area (Kelly Bray)Origins: The village of Kelly Bray essentially grew to serve the miners working at Holmbush and surrounding operations. Amenities: Today, the village is a mix of residential housing and the Florence Road Business Park. For local amenities or a bite to eat, it is practically adjacent to the larger town of Callington. #cornwall #ancientrelics #ancient #ancienthistory #ancientrelics #ancient #ancienthistory #ancientcivilizations #googleearth #google #googlemaps #ruins #thetrekplanner #hike #ruins #hiking #adventure #mystery #trek #treking #mountains