Ulpha Slate mines
We knew there were some old slate mine workings near our cottage, so on thursday we went for a walk in the woods near our cottage to explore these disused slate mines. I believe this one was called Common Wood Slate Mine, Ulpha.There is a group of these old quarries north of Ulpha. They may have been worked from the 17th century until about 1925.
The road up to the quarries is built of slabs of slate on edge set into clay. As you climb the road(!!) you can see there was a stream running down it - probable in the wet weather.
The path/road was lined by carpets of Wild garlic and on the descent, by bluebells as well.
At the top of the track, the first thing you see is the ruins of the manager's house where William Casson moved in after his marriage in 1896. It may have been an early barn conversion. William Casson managed the quarries for the Ulpha Slate Company and the Ulpha Green Slate Company and finally on his own behalf as a slate dealer after the quarries were worked out.
It is a strange sensation standing on the top of the abandoned slag heaps amongst the wood which have grown up since the mines were abandoned. It was well worth the walk amongst the ruins in the beautiful woods, which are now an area of special scientific interest.
View of surrounding countryside from the top
Note the old gate post with holes drilled into the block.
There are some entrances to the old quarry for underground workings, one called Chaddock's level, a tunnel with two blind branches. It is dry, whereas others we looked in were very wet and muddy!.
A walk back to the cottage for a coffee, cake and dinner (and rest) before taking a short drive for some photos along the River Duddon through the Duddon Valley, with Stickle Pike as a backdrop.
The view toward Stickle Pike from near our cottage
The river Duddon near to Ulpha Bridge and the bridge itself.
Some other views from nearby on the banks of the river Duddon.
Farm building and tree. Would have looked better in the evening light!
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