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Brought to you by the National Trust for the Festival of Archaeology. Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit the processing mill at Force Crag Mine.

To make this event more inclusive, we would like to offer transport for those who may have difficulty getting to the mine under their own steam. If you do not require transport, booking is not required. Please see our other event post for more information on timings etc.

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!

Please note:

• Please meet at Noble Knott car park, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, CA12 5TW, Grid Ref: NY223244 
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• Please bring cash - there's no signal for card payments.
• Dress for the weather and bring extra layers, gloves and hats. There are no shops nearby, bring your own food and refreshments.
• The processing mill is off-grid, at the end of a 2 mile unsurfaced track in Coledale. There is no heating or lighting. It contains very steep and narrow staircases, narrow passageways and is dimly lit. A steep hill must be climbed on gravel paths to access the building.
• This event is not designed for small children, ages 12 and up welcome!
• This event will go ahead, rain or shine.
• 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 (transport directly to the mill is included in your booking).