Here are the guided walks and underground mine visits we currently have planned for the next few months in the Derbyshire Peak District. Do keep checking back here, as more walks and underground trips will be added to the list.
All our walks are free, and are open to all (not just PDMHS members). However, pre-booking is required when walks are limited to a certain number of people. As the walks are all also weather-dependent, we can keep you informed by email of any changes or cancellation in the event of bad weather. You can contact us at meets@pdmhs.com. Any changes due to weather conditions will also be posted on the website, so it is advisable to check back here before you set out.
Also, if you are planning on attending with a large number of friends, it would be worth checking with us in advance about car parking availability.
Our walks are free but if you would like to express your appreciation, a donation would be very welcome. Alternatively you might like to join PDMHS.
If you want to find out more information about any of our guided mining and industrial heritage walks, contact Chris at meets@pdmhs.com
Our underground mine trips are organised by the PDMHS UEG (Underground Exploration Group), which is free to join for PDMHS members. Insurance is compulsory for those going on underground trips, but the UEG can arrange this if you don’t already hold BCA insurance. You can contact the UEG here.
Tuesday 16 July – Underground trip into Pretoria Chert Mine, Bakewell
This trip is now fully booked, but we have started a waiting list in case of any cancellations. Contact meets@pdmhs.com if you would liked to be added to the list.
Leader – John Barnatt
This trip will visit one of the best-preserved mines in the Peak, which was worked for chert until the 1960s. It has impressive packwalls and lots of artefacts still in place. For more information see Mining History vol.19 no.6.
Apart from a short fixed ladder climb at the entrance, the trip will mostly involve walking height passages and so is suitable for novices.
10 places available. Prior booking is essential.
Tuesday 6th August – Mining Heritage Walk to Magpie Mine, Sheldon.
Leader: Paul Chandler.Bring usual walking clothes & boots or wellies, a torch (for viewing mine shafts) and a camera. Sorry, no dogs on this walk.
Tuesday 13 August – Underground SRT trip into Water Icicle Mine, Monyash
Leader – Martin Long
This trip will visit this part-mined, part natural system which has been extended in recent years. There are large cave passages and evidence of the miners removing the stalacmites which gave the mine its name.
Meet at the end of Derby Lane, Monyash, at 7 PM – there is a permit system in place for parking so please arrange in advance with Martin to get these.
As access is through a 100’ deep shaft, participants must be competent in SRT and come suitably equipped.
There are 6 places available on this trip – advance booking is essential. Contact ueg@pdmhs.com to book your place.
For more information about Water Icicle Mine, see here.
Members who would be interested in getting trained in SRT (single rope techinque) should contact Martin Long at ueg@pdmhs.com. If there is demand for this then a training session can be arranged.
Tuesday 24 September – Underground trip into Old Tor Mine, Castleton
Leader – Adam Russell
This blue john mine is located in the Winnats Pass, and is a great opportunity to see what this famed decorative mineral looks like in situ.
The trip is mostly in walking height passages but there is a steep climb down to the lower part of the mine which will be rigged with a ladder and handline.
Meet at Speedwell Mine, Castleton at 7.00 PM.
There are 8 places available on this trip – advance booking is essential. Contact ueg@pdmhs.com to book your place.
Tuesday 1st October – Underground trip into MASSON CAVERN, Matlock Bath.
Leader: Tony Wood.
An evening trip with a limited number of places. BCA Insurance or similar is essential. Permission to visit is courtesy of “Heights of Abraham”.
An ideal trip for novices and experienced explorers alike. Easy grade, quite extensive mined/natural system, mainly walking/stooping size passages on this trip, with a number of large and impressive mined/natural caverns. Fine mineralisation in places. Dry trip, apart from puddles. Preference is being given to Society members who have not visited before. However, don’t delay, as any remaining places will be offered to Society members on waiting list from 1st August. Party size is limited, with places split equally with our friends at Masson Caving Group.
For further details, bookings; Contact Paul Chandler, either by email at meets@pdmhs.com or phone on 07908-607513 (Mobile/Text is best).
Despite atrocious weather conditions on the 11th of February, six members of the PDMHS UEG made it to Pikehall for a trip into Mouldridge Mine. It was considerably warmer and drier underground than outside!